The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has announced its plans to establish a cancer health fund worth N10 billion. This initiative, which will be primarily driven by the private sector, is aimed at providing an alternative source of financial support for the treatment and management of cancer across Nigeria.
The society envisions the fund as a sustainable mechanism to address the financial challenges associated with cancer care, ensuring that patients have better access to the resources and services they need.
During the event, the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) revealed that there are currently around 20 specialist cancer centers located across the country, emphasising the importance of these facilities in providing critical care to patients. In addition, the society highlighted that the primary objective of the seminar held with journalists was to foster a stronger collaborative relationship with the media.
This collaboration aims to enhance public awareness, particularly regarding the importance of deploying the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for young girls aged between 9 and 14 years. The discussion underscored the need for increased advocacy to ensure the vaccine’s accessibility and to protect young girls from HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer.
The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has announced its commitment to launching a robust initiative aimed at mobilising funds from individuals and private sector organisations to raise N10 billion in support of cancer management interventions across the country.
NCS Seeks Assistance From Federal Government
Recognising the enormous financial burden associated with cancer care, the NCS revealed plans to create a private sector-led funding mechanism worth at least N10 billion. This fund will be directed toward providing hospital facilities, treatment options, and much-needed assistance to cancer patients struggling to access care.
The NCS acknowledged that managing cancer is an extremely capital-intensive endeavor, with the cost of treating a single individual often reaching as high as N20 million. This substantial expense has placed immense pressure on the organisation, as it strives to support the growing number of patients facing this devastating disease.
While the federal government has made commendable progress in addressing cancer-related challenges, the NCS emphasised the need for more resources to adequately meet the demand for cancer care.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the NCS plans to make it an independent effort, involving prominent Nigerians, philanthropic organisations, and influential figures from the private sector and medical community. By mobilising support from these key stakeholders, the NCS aims to drive substantial improvements in cancer treatment, research, and awareness campaigns across the nation.
The organisation has also appealed to the federal government to significantly increase funding allocated to the Cancer Health Fund, suggesting that at least N1 billion be set aside for this purpose in the current fiscal year.
According to the NCS, while the federal government has demonstrated a strong commitment to combating cancer in Nigeria, the scale of the issue requires a collaborative approach with additional support from non-governmental actors.
The primary objective of the NCS’s fundraising initiative is to ensure that more cancer patients have access to life-saving treatments and that resources are available to expand research and public awareness programs. By working together with the government and private sector, the NCS hopes to make meaningful strides in reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria and saving countless lives.
