EKO HOT BLOG gathered thatThe society has proposed a N1 billion allocation, arguing that the current provision of N150 million is insufficient to address the growing number of cancer cases in Nigeria.
NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, made the appeal during a seminar for health journalists in Abuja on Saturday. He highlighted the society’s collaboration with Pathfinder, a non-governmental organization, on a two-year project aimed at boosting awareness and uptake of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine.
Health workers
Prof. Omonisi expressed concern over the financial burden of cancer treatment, noting that the current N150 million allocation falls short of the amount required to support indigent patients with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
“The treatment cost for a single cancer patient can average N20 million. Allocating just N150 million for CHF this year will not adequately meet the needs of patients. We call on the National Assembly to increase the allocation to at least N1 billion,” Omonisi said.
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Over the last four years, the Federal Government has allocated N1.3 billion to the CHF, with N200 million allocated in 2024. However, the proposed 2025 budget of N2.39 trillion sets aside only N150 million for CHF and an additional N50 million for Childhood Cancer Health Funds.
To supplement government efforts, NCS announced plans to launch a Cancer Intervention Fund. This initiative aims to mobilize resources from the private sector and philanthropists to support cancer treatment and the society’s broader activities.
Dr. Uzoma Ugochukwu, a public health specialist and consultant for the HPV vaccine uptake project, emphasized the importance of raising awareness to increase vaccine acceptance. He noted that the project is crucial to preventing cervical cancer, particularly among girls aged 9 to 14.
“We are committed to addressing misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine. Ensuring that no girl is left behind in the fight against cervical cancer is a top priority for NCS,” Ugochukwu said.
The NCS reiterated the need for sustained efforts to reduce the financial and social burden of cancer in Nigeria, urging both government and private sector stakeholders to prioritise cancer care and prevention.
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