By Fatima Saka
Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has launched a Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Fund for cancer patients, committing an initial N50 million to support Nigerians struggling with non-medical costs associated with cancer treatment.
Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, announced the intervention on Wednesday in Abuja during the official flag-off of the initiative, describing it as a critical step toward improving access to cancer care across the country.
Salako said the fund is designed to address non-medical barriers such as transportation, feeding, accommodation, and lack of social support, which often prevent patients—particularly the poor and vulnerable—from accessing or completing treatment.
“Many cancer patients are unable to initiate or complete treatment, not just because of medical costs, but due to the burden of basic survival needs. This initiative directly targets those gaps,” he said.
He noted that over 600 cancer patients have already applied for support under the scheme, with more than 200 verified through a rigorous process involving medical directors and attending physicians. Each verified beneficiary is expected to receive at least N100,000, paid directly to ease treatment-related challenges.
The minister explained that the initiative aligns with broader government efforts to strengthen cancer care, including the recently updated National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030). He added that the fund complements existing programmes such as the Cancer Health Fund, Cancer Access Partnership, Vulnerable Group Fund, and the Nigerian Cancer Society Intervention Fund.
According to Salako, the establishment of the SDoH Fund followed a recommendation by the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, chaired by Prof. Folakemi Odedina, with support from the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
He commended members of the group for their commitment, including personal financial contributions to kick-start the initiative.
“This fund also creates an opportunity to mobilize additional resources from private sector organizations, high-net-worth individuals, and development partners to bridge funding gaps in cancer care,” he said, while emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in its management.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s cancer burden by 50 percent by 2030 through a multi-pronged approach that includes early detection, expanded treatment infrastructure, subsidized therapies, and patient support systems.
He assured cancer patients and stakeholders that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains determined to ensure that a cancer diagnosis does not translate into a death sentence.
The launch of the fund coincides with June’s recognition as Cancer Survivors Month, a move Salako said underscores solidarity with survivors and ongoing efforts to improve outcomes for patients nationwide.
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He formally declared the SDoH Fund operational, expressing optimism that it would significantly ease the burden on cancer patients and improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
“And so with peace and plenty, Nigeria shall be blessed,” the minister concluded.
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