Nigeria is set to launch three advanced cancer treatment centres by May 2025, boosting access to life-saving care for cancer patients.

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]igeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, has announced that three cutting-edge cancer treatment facilities will be commissioned by May 2025.

These facilities are part of a broader initiative aimed at expanding healthcare infrastructure across the nation.

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Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Pate revealed that six major cancer treatment infrastructures and equipment investments, approved by President Bola Tinubu last year, are already in progress. Out of these, three facilities will be operational by mid-2025.

“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, six major cancer infrastructure and equipment investments were approved by Mr President early last year. Three of them will be ready by May 2025 for commissioning,” Pate stated.

These facilities will be equipped with advanced technology such as linear accelerators, brachytherapy, and other diagnostic tools, making quality cancer care accessible to Nigerians.

This development is set to significantly reduce the burden on Nigerians who often travel abroad for specialised treatment.

Additionally, the minister highlighted the flag-off of 10 cancer diagnostic centres nationwide five months ago.

He also disclosed that 201 tertiary healthcare facilities have undergone infrastructural upgrades in the past year, incorporating Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanners, Computed Tomography (CT) scanners, and modern anaesthesia equipment.

Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure expansion comes in response to the country’s rapidly growing population, which has surged from 150 million to approximately 230 million people in recent years.

Pate emphasised the importance of scaling tertiary healthcare facilities to match the increasing demand.

Recent developments include the establishment of new Federal Medical Centres in Lagos, Ekiti, and Kafanchan, along with upgrades to hospitals in Nasarawa and Keffi.

A Federal Teaching Hospital has also been approved in Akure, while the Federal University of Health Sciences, Azare, now has a teaching hospital.

“Expanding tertiary hospitals’ capacity is crucial because the healthcare infrastructure designed for 150 million people is still in place, even though our population has grown significantly. While this expansion is not enough, it is a step in the right direction,” Pate remarked.

Cancer remains a significant health challenge in Nigeria, with alarming statistics underscoring the need for these advancements.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory, Nigeria recorded 127,763 new cancer cases and 79,542 cancer-related deaths in 2022.

Breast cancer accounted for 25.3% of all cases, followed by prostate cancer (14.1%) and cervical cancer (10.7%). Meanwhile, data from 2020 estimated that 78,000 cancer-related deaths occurred in Nigeria, with over 120,000 new cases reported annually.

The commissioning of these facilities signals hope for improved cancer care, addressing Nigeria’s high mortality rates due to inadequate access to treatment.

As the Federal Government continues investing in healthcare, these efforts aim to strengthen the country’s ability to meet the needs of its growing population and reduce the burden of preventable diseases.