Nigeria's Salako Promotes Enhanced Cancer Care Initiatives

During the 2026 International Cancer Week in Abuja, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, reaffirmed the Nigerian government's commitment to improving cancer care. The event, organized by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), emphasized the theme “United Against Cancer: Building Resilient, Innovative and Equitable Systems Across the Cancer Care Continuum.” Salako outlined strategic interventions aimed at reducing the cancer burden, including the establishment of cancer centres of excellence, the procurement of 35 Linear Accelerators over three years, and the expansion of diagnostic services.

He highlighted the importance of prevention and early detection through NICRAT Preventive Oncology Clinics and HPV vaccination initiatives that have reached over 18 million girls aged 9–14 years. Salako also mentioned the National Taskforce on Cervical Cancer Elimination and the goal of a 30% reduction in the national cancer burden by 2030, supported by the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 and the Nigeria Nuclear Medicine Strategic Plan.