From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Minister of State for Health Dr Iziaq Salako has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to support and deepen the campaign against childhood cancer.
Salako stated this yesterday when the Akanimo Cancer Foundation paid him a courtesy call in Abuja ahead of the 2025 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD).
Aside from commending the Akanimo Cancer Foundation for its tireless efforts, he said: “This is the kind of grassroots help the country needs.
“Events like the symposium are very welcome, and we’re glad this is happening as the government has made a commitment to support every effort to increase survival for cancer.”
Founder of the non-governmental organisation, Barr. Idara Ekanem, said she was driven by a personal experience of the loss of her son, Akanimo Shayne Ekanem, and has demonstrated remarkable tenacity in her quest to prevent other children from suffering the same fate.
“We are committed to continuing our work to raise awareness, provide treatment access, and support research for childhood cancer in Nigeria.
“We believe that every child deserves a chance to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and we will continue to fight for that chance.”
According to Ekanem, since its inception, the foundation has treated over 20 children and currently has 10 children under care in various hospitals across Nigeria, including Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), University College Hospital (UCH), National Hospital, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and University of Uyo Teaching Hospital.
“This year, the Akanimo Cancer Foundation’s expanded public walk and awareness campaign will continue in six cities—Abuja, Kano, Lagos, Ibadan, Uyo and Port Harcourt.
“The NGO, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, is holding a Childhood Cancer Symposium to mark the 2025 ICCD.
“This initiative, the first of its kind in the country, will bring together stakeholders from the public, private, and international healthcare spaces to brainstorm innovative solutions to tackle childhood cancer in Nigeria’s unique environment.
“It is holding on Thursday, 15 February, at 9 am at the Federal Ministry of Education Conference Hall, Abuja, while the Saturday awareness event will hold at Jabi Park, Abuja.
“ICCD is celebrated annually on 15 February to raise awareness and support for children with cancer worldwide.”