The World Health Organization (WHO) has advocated the adoption of global cancer initiatives to support member states in their efforts towards prevention, treatment and cancer control.
The representative of the WHO country, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, while making the call on Tuesday in Abuja in the commemoration of World Cancer Day of 2025, explained that the adoption of world initiatives of cancer as the global initiative for cancer Infant (GICC), the initiative for eliminating cervical cancer (CCEI) and the global breast cancer initiative will help efforts towards cancer prevention, treatment and control.
While talking more, Kazadi expressed his delight in the commemoration of the World Cancer Day theme “united by a single” and a “united sub -theme in our goals, unique in our needs.”
He also praised the Minister of Health and the National National Cancer Control Program and the National Institute for Research and Treatment of Leadership Cancer and the coordination of all cancer activities in the country.
“This year's issue focuses on an approach focused on people for cancer care. This approach aims to put the needs of individuals, families and communities in the center of the health system.
“We should not focus only on treating the disease, but we adopt perspectives and experiences of individuals, caregivers, families and communities such as participants and beneficiaries of health systems that respond to their needs and preferences holistically.
“I am delighted that Nigeria already adopted these initiatives and prioritize cancer and the EMPs generally in the renewal initiative of the health sector through the sector's approach throughout the sector (SWAP).
“Who remains the commitment to support the implementation of public awareness, prevention, treatment and control of cancer in Nigeria through exchange,” he added.
Meanwhile, the General Director of the Cancer Research and Treatment Institute (Nicrat), Dr. Usman Malami Aliyu, in his comments, said that Nicrat has made significant progress in the implementation of the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan 2023 to 2027 , particularly in the training of health workers in the six geopolitical zones in basic cancer prevention services, equipping them with the skills necessary to improve early detection and treatment.
“Recognizing the emotional and psychological cost of cancer, we have provided specialized training for health workers in Onco-Psychology, ensuring that patients receive holistic psycho-social care.
“In an innovative movement, we are introducing clinical services of preventive oncology in the country, starting with Central North and South-West in 2024, racing the way for the routine of cancer detection in Nigeria.
“We have strengthened cancer registration and data collection through the establishment and digitalization of the National Cancer Registry, a key step to improve surveillance and cancer investigation.
“Nicrat is building the research capacity in the institutions selected in the six geopolitical zones, the pioneer collaborative research in the cancer genomics. This initiative is established to map genetic mutations of common cancers in Nigeria, establishing a solid base for precision oncological care, not only in Nigeria but also for the entire black race.
“While we mark World Cancer Day 2025, Nicrat is ready to consolidate these achievements and embark on new initiatives,” he said.
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