According to Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) , the organisation is set to establish preventive cancer clinics in all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
He revealed this plan during a recent health journalists' retreat in Abuja, which the institute and the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) co-hosted.
Aliyu highlighted the scarcity of dedicated cancer screening facilities in Nigeria and stressed the importance of addressing this gap. The planned clinics in select tertiary hospitals will boast trained healthcare professionals and essential equipment like mammography and ultrasound machines.
"Our aim is to provide accessible screening and preventive services," stated Aliyu. He emphasized the significance of preventive measures in combating cancer and underscored the agency's commitment to this approach.
Furthermore, NICRAT is collaborating with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to equip healthcare workers at the primary care level with the necessary skills to deliver basic cancer services.
In addition to expanding access to screening, NICRAT is working on establishing a centralized national cancer registry. This initiative aims to enhance data management for cancer cases nationwide, facilitating more effective strategies for prevention and treatment.
