Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Federal Government has launched a nationwide cancer awareness and free screening programme in Ebonyi State, with 1,000 persons in the South-East geopolitical zone set to benefit from the initiative.
The programme was flagged off on Wednesday at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA) as part of activities marking the 2026 World Cancer Day commemoration.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Daju Kachollom, said the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria through early detection and improved access to care.
She noted that cancer remains a major global public health challenge, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually, with breast, cervical and prostate cancers recording the highest incidence in Nigeria.
According to her, cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet deadliest cancers among Nigerian women, largely due to late detection.
“The 2026 World Cancer Day theme, ‘United by Unique – United in our Goals, Unique in our Needs,’ resonates strongly with our national approach.
“While we align with global cancer control goals, our strategies must reflect Nigeria’s realities,” she said.
Kachollom explained that the free screening exercise would run throughout February across the South-East, adding that individuals diagnosed during the programme would receive appropriate treatment support.
She emphasised that early detection saves lives, reduces financial hardship for families and improves national productivity.
The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the screening exercise is part of broader health sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
She listed other reforms to include the strengthening of primary healthcare systems, expansion of health insurance coverage and modernisation of tertiary health institutions.
Kachollom added that the Federal Government, through the National Health Insurance Authority, has established a Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund to cover cancer, sickle cell disease and renal conditions. She also noted that cancer health funds are now overseen by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
She further assured that AEFUTHA would be upgraded to a comprehensive cancer centre in the next phase of the National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030), with plans to equip it with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, including MRI, CT scan and linear accelerator machines.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of AEFUTHA, Prof Robinson Onoh, described the event as historic, noting that Ebonyi State was selected to represent the South-East zone in the national commemoration.
He said the hospital has evolved into a quaternary healthcare institution serving Ebonyi, neighbouring states and parts of the North-Central and South-South regions, offering specialised services in oncology, IVF, neurosurgery, dialysis and infectious disease management.
Onoh disclosed that AEFUTHA was selected as a regional hub for oncology and immunohistochemistry services under the National Cancer Access Programme and would conduct free screening for 1,000 persons, fully funded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the American Cancer Society.
He said cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, with about 127,000 new cases and 79,000 deaths recorded annually, and called for intensified primary prevention efforts, including health education, vaccination and routine screening.
Also speaking, Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, represented by the Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila, commended the Federal Government for choosing the state for the flag-off and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to healthcare development.
She highlighted the state government’s investments in modern medical equipment, oxygen plants and welfare support for health workers, including the provision of official vehicles to doctors to enhance emergency response and service delivery.
Obila said local government authorities had been mobilised to create awareness and encourage residents to take advantage of the free screening exercise, stressing that early detection makes treatment easier, more cost-effective and life-saving.
The initiative is expected to boost cancer awareness, strengthen early diagnosis and improve access to treatment services in the region, in line with the Federal Government’s broader goal of achieving equitable and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.
