The First Lady of Imo State and Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, has called for an upward review of the cancer treatment support fund to reduce the financial strain on vulnerable patients.
Uzodinma made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja at a symposium organized by Project Pink Blue (PPB) to mark the 2026 International Day Against Cancer. The event’s theme was: “Cancer, Conflicts and Insecurity in Nigeria: What Can We Do to Ensure Access to Cancer Care for Vulnerable Communities Amid Conflicts and Insecurity?”
She advocated expanding the existing funding framework to cover more patients and subsidize treatment for indigent citizens, noting that many families face catastrophic out-of-pocket costs for non-communicable diseases.
Uzodinma urged the Federal Government and stakeholders to ramp up targeted community and radio-based awareness campaigns to fight misinformation, reduce stigma and promote early detection. She also called for stronger implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan at state level to better align federal and sub-national efforts.
She pushed for continued expansion of cancer services under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to offer nationwide financial protection.
“In Imo State today, under the insurance scheme, once you are registered, you can receive free cancer screening—all types of cancer screening. We advocate for more states to follow suit,” she said.
Uzodinma highlighted the need for policy reforms to retain oncology professionals through incentives, better working conditions and career growth opportunities, warning that brain drain is eroding Nigeria’s cancer response capacity.
She called for extension of the recent executive order granting zero tax on pharmaceutical inputs to ensure affordable cancer medicines reach conflict-affected areas.
The First Lady stressed that long-term cancer control requires systemic change through multi-sectoral partnerships involving government, private organizations and international partners. She emphasized rebuilding conflict-damaged health infrastructure, including transport networks and medical supply chains, and investing in local research, data systems and the proposed National Cancer Registries and clinical trials under the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
“The fight against cancer in Nigeria calls for unity in the face of our unique and complex challenges. I urge all stakeholders to commit to these shared solutions while honoring survivors, caregivers and healthcare workers,” she said.
Former senator representing Abia North, Mao Ohuabunwa, described cancer treatment as a national emergency, particularly in conflict zones.
“I want to call that cancer treatment should be a national emergency, especially in vulnerable areas where conflict has prevented patients from seeking treatment and screening,” Ohuabunwa said.
Breast cancer survivor and Project Pink Blue patient navigator Mercy Spoporuchi pointed to insecurity and the shortage of treatment centres as key barriers.
“Imagine if we had hospitals in every state. Patients would not travel over 500 kilometers to access care,” she said.
