Today 4th July 2023 is a momentous day as we unveil the NICRAT

The Federal government has through the federal ministry of health convened 2023 technical working group/ oncology stakeholders engagement meeting amidst call on stakeholders to be proactive in combating cancer burden in the country.

The 2 day event attracted partners, health professionals and experts in cancer space across the globe.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent secretary, federal ministry of health, Engr Funsho Adebiyi FNSE represented by the coordinator national cancer control programme of the ministry, Dr. Okpako Okpikpi reiterated government’s commitment to support the institute in all ramification.

In his remarks, a former Nigeria’s minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, who chaired the event lamented that about 72 to 80% of cancer patients pay out of pocket for their care. He therefore drew Attention on the urgent need to integrate cancer care in to universal health coverage (UHC) programmes since poor Nigerians can not afford to pay for cancer treatment.

Professor Adewole further traced the antecedent of the institute to NICRAT Act of 2017 which was necessitated by the need for a more coordinated and multi sectoral response to cancer burden in Nigeria. He then urged for cooperation among all stakeholders including partners to achieve a robust response drive.

” I call on all stakeholders to show commitment and support the DG to succeed ” Adewole added.

Earlier, the pioneer Director General of the institute, Prof Usman Malami Aliyu, Associate professor and consultant radiation and clinical oncologist, harped on the mandates of the institute which were among others, to regulate and coordinate research activities, and provides policy and public education for cancer prevention and control. He also told participants of his strategic olan to actualize the mission and vision of the institute.

Dr. Aliyu further called on stakeholders especially philanthropists to key into the institute’s activities and programmes whenever the need arises. He further expressed commitment to chart a new course for the institute’s progress and development. His words ” with the intent of commitment and collaborative efforts from stakeholders, it is clearly evident that NICRAT is doing the right thing”. ” We thank all of you especially the federal government through the federal ministry of health for showing great interest in our activities”

Other professionals and partners who spoke, narrated experience and pledged their support to the institute at the event were, the special adviser to the president on health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, a former Nigeria’s minister of aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, a foremost consultant radiologist and the Chief Medical Director, ABUTH, Zaria Prof. Ahmed Undagas. The rest were, the President Nigeria cancer society, Dr. Adamu Alhassan Umar, the president Association of radiation and clinical oncologist, Dr. Nwamaka Lasebikan, the president Aortic Association of Nigeria, Dr. Bello Abubakar, the founder/ CEO Medicaid cancer foundation (via zoom) Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu and Prof. Campbell, a private oncologist and mentor.

Highlight of the event were the unveiling of the institute corporate identity and presentation of goodwill messages from partners of the institute: ACS, FLAC, NNRA, NCI, NCS, WHO NPHCDA, NAEC and ARIN among many others.