Dr. Usman Aliyu, the esteemed Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, has made a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu for financial assistance in combating the escalating prevalence of cancer in the country.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing cancer research by including adequate funding for the center in the upcoming 2024 budget of the Federal Government.
Dr. Aliyu conveyed this appeal during a media briefing and awareness campaign held at the institute’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
“Our earnest call to the Federal Government is to ensure sufficient funding for our institute’s crucial endeavors in cancer prevention and treatment research. Conducting research on cancer is akin to preparing for a battle, as failure to do so may lead to its overwhelming devastation.””The support and collaboration of stakeholders in the healthcare sector are crucial to our mission. While our institute was not included in the 2023 budget due to its recent establishment, we are actively striving to secure research funding through inclusion in the 2024 appropriation bill,” stated the clinical and radiation oncologist.
Cancer, known as the leading cause of global mortality, surpasses the combined mortality rates of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer claims the lives of 72,000 individuals in Nigeria each year, with an annual incidence of 102,000 new cases.In Nigeria, there has been a persistent lack of comprehensive data regarding cancer mortality, particularly among individuals seeking treatment in state, federal, and private healthcare facilities. This dearth of information has posed challenges in accurately assessing the true impact of cancer on the population.A recent study conducted by a team of oncologists at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital has shed light on the patterns of cancer mortality. The study spanned a decade, from 2009 to 2018, and revealed a total of 6,592 recorded deaths, with 1,133 of those cases attributed to cancer.
To obtain their findings, the researchers gathered data from various sources, including the hospital’s case notes, admission and death registers, as well as death certificates.
Dr. Aliyu, who currently serves as the pioneer Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the coordination and harmonization of cancer incidents and research across the country.
As a clinical oncologist who previously held the position of assistant secretary general of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Dr. Aliyu argued that many of the cancer statistics circulating in the country are exaggerated. He expressed the need to establish proper mapping of resources, including the available specialists, the number of incidents, and the validated research conducted thus far, in order to foster accurate and coordinated data on cancer in Nigeria.Dr. Aliyu raised a critical concern about the lack of adequate information pertaining to cancer in Nigeria. He questioned how effective planning can be accomplished without accurate data. Furthermore, he highlighted the absence of statistics regarding the number of functioning cancer centers in the country and the availability of necessary equipment.
In response to these challenges, Dr. Aliyu emphasized the importance of conducting a comprehensive mapping exercise as the initial step. By undertaking this task, the aim is to gather vital information that will provide a clearer understanding of the existing resources, including functional cancer centers and available equipment. Such mapping would serve as a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning in the fight against cancer in Nigeria.
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