Experts Call for Investment in Nigeria's Cancer Care

During a media session at the ASCO Africa conference, experts called for enhanced investments in cancer care and research in Nigeria. Prof.

Usman Malami Aliyu highlighted the financial burden of cancer treatment and the government's introduction of a health fund to subsidize cancer diagnosis and treatment for indigent patients. Dr.

Abiola Ibraheem noted the widening gap in cancer care between high-income countries and Africa, stressing the need for collaboration among African nations to improve access to modern cancer therapies. Dr.

Lolad Adeyemi announced that the Nigerian government is working on introducing specialized cancer insurance to enhance treatment access. Nigeria is currently conducting three immunotherapy clinical trials, marking a significant milestone in the country's cancer treatment landscape.

Dr. Miriam Mutebi pointed out that Africa contributes only eight percent to global cancer research despite facing a growing cancer burden, urging governments to commit more resources to research and development.