FG targets improved cancer care with 25 new linear accelerators

The federal government has announced plans to acquire 25 additional linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029 to boost cancer treatment capacity in Nigeria. The announcement came during a meeting of the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) Technical Working Group and Global Advisory Council in Abuja, where Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare Iziaq Salako revealed the initiative. President Bola Tinubu approved the procurement as part of a broader three-year strategy to enhance cancer care. The acquisition of linear accelerators, machines used in radiotherapy to target cancer cells with minimal harm to healthy tissue, is intended to address critical gaps in Nigeria's healthcare system. Mr. Salako highlighted that the nation faces a significant cancer burden, with many patients seeking treatment too late due to delays in diagnosis and inadequate infrastructure, skilled personnel, and financial support. He emphasized that the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 aims to tackle these challenges through comprehensive strategies encompassing prevention, early detection, treatment, research, and collaboration. Construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence has begun, with three already completed and ongoing work on the remaining sites. Prevention remains a key focus, with the government integrating the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunization program to reduce the incidence of preventable cancers. Mr. Salako noted that President Tinubu has placed a strong emphasis on prevention, leading to the approval of HPV vaccination as part of the national immunization schedule. Efforts are also underway to bolster hepatitis vaccination programs, expand cervical cancer screening, and incorporate screening services into primary healthcare facilities. In addition, the government has launched the Blood Cancer Consortium, supported by donations of equipment and resources aimed at enhancing pathology laboratory capabilities nationwide. This initiative reflects a growing commitment to improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy for blood-related malignancies. Abidemi Omonisi, president of the Nigerian Cancer Society, praised the government for fostering a coordinated approach to cancer control. He pointed out that fragmentation among stakeholders has historically led to duplicated efforts and limited outcomes. The NCCP Technical Working Group is addressing this issue by uniting government bodies, researchers, clinicians, development partners, and cancer organizations under a shared agenda. Stronger international partnerships and engagement with the Nigerian diaspora are seen as potential avenues for advancing research, technology transfer, and access to cutting-edge cancer treatments. Folakemi Odedina, chair of the NCCP Technical Working Group, stated that the group has transitioned swiftly from planning to execution. She noted that diverse groups including government institutions, academics, patients, advocates, survivors, industry representatives, and international partners have come together around a unified cancer-control mission. Progress is being made in areas such as prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship, palliative care, research, clinical trials, workforce training, and digital health innovations. The Global Advisory Council is contributing specialized knowledge in fields ranging from cancer prevention and treatment to genomics, implementation science, workforce development, data management, and artificial intelligence. Efforts are also focused on fortifying Nigeria’s oncology clinical trials framework to ensure better access to novel therapies. Ms. Odedina expressed confidence in producing a well-trained workforce and strengthening institutional capacities to meet the evolving demands of cancer care. These developments underscore the administration’s determination to transform Nigeria’s approach to managing cancer through strategic investments and collaborative efforts.