Cancer No Longer a Death Sentence: Health Minister Pate Highlights Progress
By Matthew Eloyi
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has declared that cancer is no longer a death sentence due to significant advancements in technology that have improved treatment and patient care.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 International Cancer Week (ICW) in Abuja, themed “Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Comprehensive Cancer Control: Innovation, Access, and Partnership,” Pate emphasised the potential for curing an increasing number of cancers through genomics, precision medicine, and new technological interventions.
“We don’t have the luxury of waiting until more people have cancer to deal with it. We don’t have the resources, the infrastructure, and the equipment,” Pate remarked, underscoring the urgency of addressing cancer as it remains the fastest-growing non-communicable disease in Nigeria.
He also highlighted the importance of prevention, screening, treatment, and research to combat the rising rates of cancer in the country.
Pate outlined the Federal Government’s commitment to fighting cancer, citing President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for six new cancer treatment centers to reduce the burden on patients.
“Two of those six will be commissioned by May 2025, with the remaining centers to follow. We’re also expanding diagnostic centers and rebuilding the oncology workforce,” he added.
The event also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and Roche Products Limited, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s diagnostic capabilities through the “Nigeria Breast Cancer Ambition” initiative.
Dr. Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche, said, “By the end of 2025, we’ll have six centres with immunohistochemistry diagnostic tools, allowing tailored treatments for specific cancer types. Genomic testing now allows patients to know precisely their cancer type and corresponding treatment.”
NICRAT’s Director-General, Prof. Usman Aliyu, emphasised that ICW aims to promote innovative cancer care technology, modernise care facilities, and support comprehensive survivor programmes. The week-long event will continue with sessions and workshops focused on fostering collaboration and innovation in cancer care, ending Friday.