…Inaugurates NM-TWG Members
By Fatima Saka
The Nigerian government has highlighted significant strides in cancer prevention, driven by the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII).
Speaking at the 2025 World Cancer Day Commemoration in Abuja, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health, outlined the achievements made through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. These efforts align with the administration’s four-pillar vision, which focuses on:
1. Improving healthcare governance
2. Enhancing population health outcomes (with an emphasis on efficiency, equity, and quality)
3. Unlocking the healthcare value chain (through local manufacturing, research, and innovation)
4. Strengthening health security
Dr. Salako highlighted notable progress in tackling cancer through vaccination, early detection, treatment, and research.
The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) leads the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign, aimed at preventing cervical cancer, as well as Hepatitis B immunization, which reduces the risk of liver cancer—the second and fourth most common cancers in Nigeria, respectively.
“While the hepatitis vaccine has long been part of the National Immunization Program, HPV vaccination was introduced in 2023. We are proud to report that over 12 million girls have been successfully immunized against HPV, and efforts are ongoing to expand coverage,” the minister stated.
He urged parents, opinion leaders, and stakeholders to support the immunization drive to prevent these vaccine-preventable cancers.
According to the Dr Salako that the the Nigerian government is also advancing cancer care through health insurance coverage. Under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act 2022, the NHIA has developed a Catastrophic Health Insurance plan to support patients with:
End-stage renal disease
Sickle cell disease
Various types of cancer
“This initiative will be funded through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and other mechanisms within the NHIA. The Ministry is committed to ensuring seamless implementation,” Dr. Salako added.
Inauguration of NM-TWG Members
As part of the World Cancer Day activities, the minister inaugurated the newly constituted National Multi-sectoral Technical Working Group (NM-TWG) for cancer care.
“This group brings together nuclear medicine physicians, regulatory bodies, research institutions, civil society groups, and industry leaders to enhance cancer management in Nigeria,” he explained.
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The NM-TWG will be chaired by Dr. Ololade Kehinde, a nuclear medicine physician trained under the Ministry’s program. The National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control and Nuclear Medicine Programme will serve as Secretary and Head of the Secretariat for effective communication with the minister’s office.
NM-TWG Members includes representatives from various institutions, professional bodies, and advocacy groups.
Key Members:
Dr. Ololade Kehinde – Chairman, Special Adviser (Technical) to the Minister of State for Health
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu – UICC President-elect
Directors-General of:
National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment
Nigeria Nuclear Regulatory Authority
Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission
NAFDAC
NHIA
Presidents of:
West African College of Surgeons
Nigeria Cancer Society
Nigerian Cardiology Society
Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncology of Nigeria
Registrars of:
National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria
Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
Radiographers Registration Board of Nigeria
Pharmacists Council of Nigeria
Leading Nuclear Medicine Physicians from top hospitals across Nigeria
Medical physicists and radiation oncologists
Representatives from private sector health organizations
Dr. Salako charged the newly inaugurated members to leverage their expertise in strengthening cancer prevention, treatment, and research in Nigeria.
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