The federal government has reiterated its determination to tackle the scourge of cancers in the country, assuring that no effort would be spared to make preventive, diagnostic, and care services accessible and affordable for those affected.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Tunji Alausa, made this assertion on Monday while launching the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) testing, a crucial molecular test for identifying specific mutations in lung cancer patients.
According to Alausa, the introduction of the EGFR test is a testament to the positive results of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which emphasizes unlocking the health sector value chain through sector-wide collaboration.
Alausa, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Research, Lolade Adeyemi, said the partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), and AstraZeneca, which led to the introduction of the EGFR test, is set to significantly enhance the nation’s cancer care landscape.
He said that the collaboration between AstraZeneca, NICRAT, and the Federal Ministry of Health marks a significant milestone in these efforts.
NICRAT Director General (DG), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu said, recent statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), reveal a concerning trend whereby cancer incidence and mortality rates are escalating worldwide.
“If left unchecked, projections indicate that these rates could double within the next two decades, with lower and middle-income countries like Nigeria bearing the brunt”.
According to Aliyu, the significance of the EGFR becomes glaring considering the gravity of lung cancer’s impact, which he said cannot be overstated, “It remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely due to challenges in early diagnosis.
“In Nigeria and across Africa, lung cancer is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis, leading to delayed and ineffective treatment.
“Patients are frequently placed on anti-TB medications for extended periods, only to discover too late that their condition is actually cancer.
“AstraZeneca’s introduction of EGFR testing represents a pivotal advancement in addressing this issue. This new technology will enable more accurate and timely diagnosis, allowing for more effective treatment strategies,” he added.
He said with the launch of the initiative by the Minister of State for Health, Alausa, NICRAT believes strongly that it will boost Nigeria’s effort towards achieving improved cancer screening and diagnosis, expand access to innovative treatment and also contribute immensely to building the capacity of all categories of experts in the cancer space in Nigeria.
On his part, Deepak Arora, Country President, African Cluster at AstraZeneca, who participated in the launch virtually, assured of his organization’s continued support to Nigeria in the efforts to make the cost of cancer affordable and accessible to Nigerians.
He said: “We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities, to build resilient healthcare systems and improve access to innovative cancer treatments for patients throughout Africa.
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“This marks a significant milestone in this journey, and we are confident that it will positively impact the lives of many, bringing science to life. This commitment underscores our dedication to empowering patients in their fight against cancer.”
The collaboration is focusing on enhanced screening and diagnostics that will see AstraZeneca establish partnerships with Abuja National Hospital, NSIA-Lagis University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu in setting linkages for access to molecular testing within Nigeria.
The initiative will also explore screening support for patients across breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer, provide patient empowerment, access to medicines and capacity and capability building, among others.