NICRAT DG Meets PVAC National Coordinator to Strengthen Cancer Care and Healthcare Transformation in Nigeria

Today, the Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, held a strategic meeting with the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr. Abdu Mukhtar, to discuss pathways for strengthening cancer care and advancing healthcare transformation in Nigeria.

The meeting focused on deepening collaboration in key areas critical to improving cancer outcomes nationwide, including:
🔹 Leveraging data-driven decision-making to strengthen cancer control efforts
🔹 Expanding access to quality prevention, diagnosis, and oncology treatment services
🔹 Reducing dependence on medical tourism through improved local healthcare capacity
🔹 Strengthening local manufacturing and innovation across the healthcare value chain

These priorities align with the four-pillar health sector agenda championed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, collaboration, and coordinated action in transforming Nigeria’s healthcare system and reducing the growing cancer burden across the country.

Also in attendance were members of the NICRAT leadership team, including:
▪️ Prof. Musa Ali Gombe – Director of Clinical Services
▪️ Dr. Joy Iya Benson – Head, Surveillance and Monitoring
▪️ Dr. Margaret Mendie-Sawyerr – Head, Strategy Development and Partnerships

Representing PVAC were:
▪️ Muhammad Balarabe – Head, Ecosystem Enablement Team
▪️ Maryam Modibbo
▪️ Fatima Gawuna

The engagement reflects a shared commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and sustainable healthcare system that delivers quality cancer care for all Nigerians.