Nigeria Calls for Enhanced Cancer Research and Trials

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged for stronger cancer research capacity and increased local clinical trials to enhance treatment and outcomes for cancer patients. This call was made on Monday during the University of Abuja Global Research Summit, Clinician Investigator Track, themed “Developing the Next Generation of Clinician-Investigators in Global Oncology.” The two-day summit included stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Nigerian Cancer Society, Mayo Clinic, University of Abuja, West African College of Physicians, and other institutions.

Dr Uchechukwu Emmanuel, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Programme, stated that the initiative aims to equip researchers and clinical investigators with necessary skills for high-quality cancer research. The program, in collaboration with ICare and CAPTC projects, will expand research to various cancer types beyond prostate cancer.

Emmanuel also highlighted the financial burden of cancer treatment on Nigerians, particularly affecting middle- and low-income families. Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, president/CEO of the Nigerian Cancer Society, emphasized the need to move away from "guesswork" in addressing Nigeria's cancer challenges.