Medicaid Cancer Foundation disburses ₦100m to 60 cancer patients across Nigeria under its Access to Care initiative, led by Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu
Medicaid Cancer Foundation has disbursed ₦100 million to 60 cancer patients across Nigeria to support treatment under its Access to Care initiative, aimed at bridging critical gaps in detection and care.
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The announcement was made during an event at the foundation’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, where Founder Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a board member of the Union for International Cancer Control, said the initiative was designed to expand access to affordable treatment, particularly in rural areas.
“Cancer patients are suffering in silence — many undiagnosed and untreated,” Dr Bagudu said. “Our motivation is to change that reality by driving awareness, advocating for a stronger health insurance system, and ensuring early screening for cancers such as breast, cervical, and prostate cancer.”
She explained that the ₦100 million fund was raised through the foundation’s 11th annual WalkAway Cancer campaign and would cover surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and psychosocial support for beneficiaries.
Dr Bagudu commended the Tinubu administration for establishing six new cancer centres and the Cancer Health Fund but stressed that more investment was needed. “A woman diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in Nigeria needs about ₦25 million to get cured,” she said.
“₦100 million may sound huge, but it barely covers four full cases. We must invest more in prevention, early diagnosis, and health insurance coverage.”
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, said the initiative reflected the importance of private-sector partnerships in healthcare delivery. “We’re not just here to disburse ₦100 million; we are here to give hope,” he said.
“The Tinubu administration has increased the national health budget from three per cent in 2023 to 5.2 per cent in 2025 to prioritise healthcare and cancer care.”
The Director of Standards and Quality Assurance at the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr Yakubu Agada-Amade, said collaborations with organisations like the Medicaid Cancer Foundation had improved the management of high-cost diseases through insurance.
“We’ve treated over 240 cancer patients so far through partnerships,” he noted, adding that early detection rates were improving.
The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof Usman Malami, revealed that the Federal Government had earmarked ₦200 million for cancer funding in 2025, crediting civil society groups for expanding patient reach.
Cancer survivors shared their journeys during the event. Mrs Gloria Chinio Oku, a breast cancer survivor, said, “Cancer has taken a lot from me — money, relationships, confidence — but it has also made me an advocate.” Mr Omonade Jacob Ochuco, a male breast cancer survivor, said he had spent over ₦17 million on treatment and urged men to take early detection seriously.
Dr Shinkafi-Bagudu reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to awareness, screening, and patient support until “no Nigerian dies needlessly from a preventable or treatable cancer.”
The event also featured a survivors’ panel, a fireside chat with breast cancer patients, and the launch of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation Circle, coinciding with activities marking the Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action on 17 November.
Founded in 2009, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation has grown into a leading non-governmental organisation supporting cancer prevention, screening, and patient welfare across Nigeria.
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Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the country, with an estimated 120,000 new cases and 78,000 deaths annually, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
