From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A childhood cancer Advocate and Founder of Akanimo Cancer Foundation, Mrs. Idara Ekanem, has raised concerns about growing ignorance among Nigerians about childhood cancer which, she said, is worsening the childhood cancer burden in Nigeria.
She stated this at a high-level symposium in Abuja, to commemorate International Childhood Cancer Day 2025 under the theme: “Inspiring Action: Actionable Solutions to Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure, Access to Care, and Early Detection for Childhood Cancer in Nigeria”.
The symposium, organized by the Akanimo Cancer Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, brought together health experts, policymakers, cancer advocates, and students to discuss the urgent need for early detection and improved access to care for children with cancer.
Mrs. Ekanem who lost her son to cancer at the age of 12, said she also fell to the ignorance some years ago which led to the death of her son, hence she pledged the foundation’s continued support for raising awareness and funding research.
She noted that this year, the foundation started an initiative that enables individuals and organizations to financially support a child’s cancer treatment and “Run for Nemo,” an walk to raise funds for research and advocacy.
Dr. Usman Waziri, an official of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), said that for Nigeria to keep up with global advancement as regards cancer care particularly pediatric cases, it must strengthen its paediatric oncology infrastructure, expand and equip more hospitals with specialized units and diagnostic facilities, as well as train more skilled health workers.
Chairman, House Committee on Health, Amos Magaji, assured stakeholders that the 2025 budget will prioritize cancer care, with specific focus on early detection initiatives and expanding cancer treatment centers across the country.
He also called for collaborative efforts among government agencies, healthcare professionals, and private organisations to ensure that no child dies due to lack of access to cancer treatment.
In a keynote address, Prof. Biobele Brown, a paediatric oncologist from the University College Hospital, Ibadan, painted a picture of the realities of childhood cancer in the country.
He noted that only 8.1 per cent of parents in a recent study had knowledge of childhood cancer, leading to late presentation and poor outcomes.
He, however, commended the federal government for recognizing childhood cancer in the 2023–2027 National Cancer Control and called for swift implementation.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who was represented by his special adviser, Dr. Kehinde Ololade, acknowledged the economic burden of cancer treatment on families, and emphasized the need for increased public as well as private sector collaboration for equitable access to care.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding cancer treatment facilities and integrating paediatric cancer care into national health insurance schemes.