Cancer

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nneka Chidoka Outreach Program (NCOP) has embarked on a nationwide campaign to advocate for increased funding for cancer care in Nigeria’s 2025 budget.

With a staggering 124,000 new cancer cases reported annually, the current lack of adequate funding has resulted in many Nigerians being denied access to life-saving treatment.

Despite efforts by the Federal Ministry of Health, including the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) and the National Cancer Access Partnership (NCAP), limited funding and infrastructure gaps have restricted the benefits to only a fraction of cancer patients.

To address this, NCOP is collaborating with the Ministry and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) to urge lawmakers to allocate more funds for cancer care during the 2025 budget deliberations.

The campaign’s key objectives include securing ₦25 billion to transition the Cancer Health Fund into the Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund for sustainable cancer care, closing the ₦97 billion funding gap for completing six Cancer Centers of Excellence under the National Oncology Initiative, and expanding funding for NCAP to ensure more Nigerians have access to affordable cancer medications.

Osita Chidoka, Founder of NCOP, noted the importance of collective action, saying “Cancer is a battle we must fight together. We are urging all Nigerians to take a stand by signing this petition.

“With your support, we can push for meaningful investments in cancer care and give hope to thousands of families.”

To support the campaign, individuals can sign the petition and share the message on social media using the hashtag #FundCancerCare2025.By working together, NCOP aims to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind in the fight against cancer.

The organization is committed to transforming Nigeria’s healthcare landscape and improving access to cancer care through early diagnosis, advocacy, and funding support.

With the help of Nigerians, NCOP hopes to make a significant impact and bring about positive change in the lives of those affected by cancer.

By Ibrahim Tukur

Skin bleaching in Africa has become pervasive and a concerning issue with far-reaching consequences. This phenomenon is driven by a complex interplay of cultural, social and economic factors, with detrimental effects on individuals and society as a whole.

Skin bleaching, also known as skin lightening or whitening, involves the use of various products to reduce melanin levels in the skin, resulting in a lighter complexion. While this practice is not exclusive to Africa, it has gained significant prominence in many African countries. The desire for fairer skin is often rooted in deeply ingrained societal beauty standards, where lighter skin is sometimes perceived as more attractive and a symbol of success.

The use of skin bleaching products in Africa has dire consequences for individuals and public health:

Many skin bleaching products contain harsh chemicals such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, and mercury. Prolonged use of these substances can lead to skin irritation, burning sensations, excessive redness, permanent discoloration, and the formation of stubborn pimples that can result in scarring.

Skin bleaching can lead to health issues beyond skin damage. The use of mercury in some products can lead to mercury poisoning, causing a range of serious health problems, including kidney damage and neurological issues.

The societal pressure to bleach one’s skin can take a toll on individuals’ mental and emotional well-being. It reinforces harmful stereotypes and can lead to a sense of inferiority among those who do not conform to the “lighter is better” ideal.

Lightening the skin reduces its natural protection against the harmful effects of UV radiation. This puts individuals at a higher risk of skin cancer, a particularly concerning consequence of skin bleaching.

The widespread use of skin bleaching perpetuates harmful stereotypes and the belief that one’s worth is determined by their skin color. This affects societal cohesion and can exacerbate discrimination and inequality.

Addressing the skin bleaching epidemic in Africa requires a multi-faceted approach:

Governments should impose stricter regulations on the import, sale, and use of skin bleaching products, particularly those containing harmful substances. Banning these products can go a long way in protecting public health.

Comprehensive and targeted public awareness campaigns are crucial to dispel the myths surrounding skin bleaching and educate the population about its risks. These campaigns should promote self-acceptance and the appreciation of diverse beauty standards.

 Providing access to mental health services and counseling is essential for individuals who may suffer from the psychological effects of skin bleaching.

In conclusion, the skin bleaching epidemic in Africa is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences. 

In conclusion, the skin bleaching epidemic in Africa is a pressing issue with far-reaching consequences. To combat this problem effectively, we must collectively strive to promote healthier beauty standards, protect public health, and support individuals affected by this harmful trend. It is our collective responsibility to create a society where every individual can embrace their natural beauty without feeling pressured to alter their skin colors.

Ibrahim Tukur

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

In a newspaper interview, she narrated how the excruciating pain and cost of cancer treatment drove her to sell her valuables. Rosemary Nnamdi said it’s a miracle that she is still alive today. Nnamdi, 33, was diagnosed with the most common form of cancer, breast cancer, in 2019.

The young lady somehow and eventually took a leap of faith and, according to the report, had a single mastectomy – a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast. The process was supposed to be complemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which involved killing cells with radiation from elements like uranium and anti-cancer drugs. This she could not afford.

“I started soliciting funds to cover chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, but it was never enough. I sold every single property, but it could not cover the sessions recommended by the doctor,” she said.

A revelation in an interview by Dr Adamu Umar, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), came to mind after reading the heart-rending report on Rosemary Nnamdi.

During the interview, Dr Umar lamented that over N1.5bn earmarked for cancer treatment in Nigeria has not been accessed by people with the disease. He disclosed that many cancer patients are unaware of the intervention fund known as Cancer Health Fund (CHF), resulting in the inaccessibility of a larger part of the money.

He identified the lack of data to ascertain the actual number of cancer patients in the country as one of the reasons for frustrating the intervention programme.

His revelation was stunning because the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10 million people die of cancer (a disease in which cells of the body grow uncontrollably at a spot and spread to other parts) annually worldwide and that 70 per cent of these deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries including Nigeria.

In Africa, Mr Walter Mulombo, WHO country representative to Nigeria, said, “Every year, Africa records around 1.1 million new cases of cancer resulting in up to 700,00 deaths.” According to Globocan statistics, in 2020 alone, a staggering 78 899 cancer deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

Since it costs an arm and leg to treat cancer, the ‘Cancer Health Fund’ was separated from the budget to tackle different types of cancer in the country. Should cancer patients in Nigeria not know about this?

Regrettably, lack of awareness and inaccessible location has contributed to the low participation of cancer patients in accessing the fund set aside to manage their affliction.

The Nigerian CHF is a social service that provides funding and health care services to indigent cancer patients. Before this, the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) was established in 2006 as a fallout from the 58th World Health Assembly Resolution on cancer prevention and control adopted in May 2005. The programme was established to address the escalating cancer incidence in Nigeria.

But the CHF programme is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health that commenced in 2021 with six pilot hospitals. Ahmadu Bello University teaching hospital (ABUTH), National Hospital Abuja (NHA), University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (UBTH), Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTH), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), University College Hospital (UCH).

It involves partners such as the American Cancer Society, ROCHE, Pfizer, MYLAN, Clinton Health Access Initiative, World Wide Commercial Ventures (WWCV), BICON and EMGE resources, which is mandated to implement the CHF initiative on behalf of the Federation Government.

Since many cancer patients seem to be oblivious to this vital function, there is a need for the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to carry out sensitisation programmes across many towns and villages in the country. The knowledge will then be a driving force for patients to seek treatment.

In addition, the media and non-governmental organisations can also be involved in such campaigns while the government strives to expand beyond the six pilot hospitals. 

By empowering people with the Cancer Health Fund information, we can help save thousands of lives from a killer disease, as we do not all have to be doctors to guarantee the most fundamental human right – the right to live.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached via dahirulawal90@gmail.com.