FG Allocates N50m to Support Cancer Patients in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Fund, committing N50 million to support cancer patients facing non-medical financial burdens that often prevent them from accessing complete treatment. The initiative was unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziak Adekunle Salako.

The fund aims to provide targeted support to cancer patients struggling with costs related to transport, accommodation, and feeding, which are social barriers associated with care. Salako noted that the government continues to invest in cancer awareness, treatment infrastructure, and subsidies to prevent patients from abandoning care due to hidden costs.

The initiative is part of Nigeria's National Cancer Control Plan for 2026-2030, chaired by Folakemi Odedina and co-chaired by Malami Aliyu, which identifies social and economic barriers as major drivers of poor treatment outcomes. The fund will complement existing interventions and is expected to attract additional contributions from corporate organizations and philanthropists to strengthen its reach and sustainability.