Key stakeholders, including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and others, gathered on Wednesday to pledge their support for a sustainable grassroots campaign aimed at enhancing cancer control and care.

This commitment was made in Abuja during the inauguration of the 25-member City Executive Council for the City Cancer Challenge initiative in Nigeria, marking a significant step towards improving cancer care in the region.

The inception of the C/Can initiative in 2017 marked a significant milestone in global endeavors to improve access to equitable and high-quality cancer treatment. Abuja officially became part of the C/Can network in May 2023 following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the former Minister of the FCT and heads of other partnering organizations, with the official launch taking place in October 2023.

The consortium comprising representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the Medicaid Cancer Foundation is tasked with spearheading the city’s strategic planning for the C/Can initiative. Their primary objective is to formulate detailed plans for the sustained execution and expansion of projects beyond the initial three-year period of direct support.

In her introductory speech, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the Health Services & Environment Secretariat in the FCT, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in spearheading the transformation of cancer care in Abuja. She commended the committee members for their willingness to serve and contribute to this pivotal cause.

, “Our mission is clear -provide guidance and expert input during each phase of the initiative, ensure that the process aligns with and supports existing city, and national initiatives, and support a robust, data-driven process by collaborating closely with C/Can to ensure the application of a strong data governance framework.

“This committee brings together a diverse group of dedicated professionals, experts, and community leaders. Each of you brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives that are invaluable to our collective
mission. Your commitment and passion for improving health outcomes, particularly cancer care will be the driving force behind our success.

“As we embark on this journey, let us be guided by a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Let us be bold in our thinking, strategic in our actions, and unwavering in our commitment to the health of our community.”

Dr. Fasawe expressed the FCT’s dedication to supporting and ensuring the project’s success. Additionally, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme at the Federal Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing access to cancer treatment in Abuja, underscoring their determination to improve healthcare outcomes for cancer patients in the region.

He mentioned, “We are going to build up what we’re already doing and domesticate the solutions that are available across the globe in Nigeria. Cancer care is very expensive, and we believe that with C/Can, we’ll be able to have more collaborations with other agencies and partners to improve access to cancer care in Nigeria, from diagnosis to treatment.

“We’re hoping that we should be able to develop a system that can provide diagnosis and treatment so that as we create awareness, people can have the place they can run to get their treatment done.

“As committee members, we are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that our cancer patients begin to have solutions to their problems.”

Sophie Bussman-Kemdjo, Director of Africa and Europe at City Cancer Challenge Foundation, emphasized that the primary goal of the initiative is to enhance the quality of life for cancer patients in Nigeria, focusing on making a positive impact on their well-being and care.

She mentioned, “The foundation was created because there was this need to be in the city and work closely with local stakeholders to make sure that any idea of novel solution had to be implemented and not just discussed.

“So, we’re bringing in Nigeria to make sure that the fundamentals, in terms of cancer care and health system strengthening addressed and also ensure that the country, beginning from Abuja, gets all the support from different stakeholders, the private sector, and development agencies because there will be a bankable document with data information that will allow to create those solutions for Nigeria.”

According to Sophie Bussman-Kemdjo, the newly inaugurated committee will assume a leadership role, spearheading the initiative from the local to the regional and national levels, with a focus on implementing sustainable solutions that are tailored to the local context, ensuring the initiative’s long-term success and impact.