FG restates commitment to strengthening cancer care

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer care through improved funding and legislative support, even as survivors and advocates continue to demand greater attention to post-treatment care and mental health. Speaking at the 16th edition of the Khayr Cancer Health Initiative (KCHI)’s sensitisation webinar series held virtually, the Senior Special Assistant to […]

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cancer care through improved funding and legislative support, even as survivors and advocates continue to demand greater attention to post-treatment care and mental health.

Speaking at the 16th edition of the Khayr Cancer Health Initiative (KCHI)’s sensitisation webinar series held virtually, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (House of Representatives), Kunle Ibrahim Olanrewaju, said the government remained “deeply committed to policies that will reduce the burden of cancer in Nigeria.”

The event, titled: “Hope Rekindled: Celebrating Our Champions,” was organised to mark the 2025 National Cancer Survivors Day and bring together cancer survivors, medical experts, advocates, government officials and caregivers.

In his goodwill message, Olanrewaju commended KCHI for its leadership in cancer advocacy and awareness. He noted that the administration was working to strengthen existing policies and bills on cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.

Delivering a keynote address, Prof Kimlin Tam Ashing of City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre, California, USA, said cancer survivors in low-resource countries like Nigeria faced unique mental health challenges.

She called for culturally tailored interventions, such as peer support, telehealth and greater access to cognitive behavioural therapy to address anxiety and depression in survivors.

A highlight of the session was a presentation by Dr Aisha Mustapha, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria, who shared her experience as a cancer survivor. She described her diagnosis and treatment as emotionally draining, but stressed the importance of early detection, resilience and a strong support system.

Another speaker, Dr Denise Ejoh, the chief executive officer of Cormode Cancer Foundation and member of the National Task Force for Cervical Cancer Elimination, urged survivors to embrace life after treatment and continue to share their stories to inspire others.

Moderators – Princess Tinu Lawal, a survivor and chairman of the National Cancer Survivors (NCS) Lagos and Dr Hannatu Ayuba Usman, the secretary of the NCS, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), both emphasised the need for survivor-focused care, stigma eradication and improved training of health care workers to build empathy.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Dr Bilikisu Farouk Usman, a member of the KCHI Board of Trustees, said the event aimed to promote solidarity among survivors and reinforce the message that no one should fight cancer alone.

The executive director of KCHI, Madinat Hassan, who gave the closing remarks, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to advocacy and building a supportive community for cancer patients and survivors.