The Federal Ministry of Health has explained how it is tackling childhood cancer.
The ministry, via its official X handle, said that it has included pediatric formulation (Medicines) in cancer care in the country.
The ministry said that it has also forwarded a request to the World Health Organization for inclusion in the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer.
“The Federal Government through @Fmohnigeria has included pediatric formulation (Medicines) to cancer care in the country.
“We have also launched a Cancer Partnership Program to create awareness, and further enhance access to care and medicines even for childhood cancer. These have been included in the National Cancer Control Plan.
“Just recently, the Coordinating Minister @Fmohnigeria, @muhammadpate wrote to @who requesting that Nigeria be included in the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer,” the ministry’s post reads.
The ministry said that childhood cancers cannot generally be prevented or identified through screening.
It noted that childhood cancer deaths result from lack of diagnosis, misdiagnosis, or late diagnosis.
“Access to care and social support play a role in cancer outcomes,” it stressed.
The International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is commemorated yearly on February 15.
The day seeks to provide awareness of childhood cancer and also promote equitable access to healthcare for all.
It is also intended to mirror the burden of the disease on patients and their families.
According to the ministry, an estimated 400,00 children and adolescents of 0-19 years old develop cancer.
