There’s upsurge in paediatric cancer – Minister

He said data showed that the global burden of childhood cancer is 300,000-400,000 per year and nearly 13,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has raised the alarm over an upsurge in pediatrics cancer in the country.

The minister said this Saturday when the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club donated a 20-bedded Pediatric Cancer Complex to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada.

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He said data showed that the global burden of childhood cancer is 300,000-400,000 per year and nearly 13,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually.

Dr Ehanire also said there was lack of funding for cancer treatment and called for more partnership for effective management of the ailment.

He lauded the efforts of the Lions Club, saying the gesture has brought succour to the children suffering from cancer.

UATH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Bissallah Ekele, who lauded the Metropolitan Lions Club for constructing the Pediatric Oncology Centre in the hospital, said it was a step in the right direction as it would go a long way in accommodating more cancer patients in the hospital.

The President, Abuja Metropolitan Lions Clubs, Charlz Opusunju, said the project would go a long way in bringing respite to children with cancer.