The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has said it is planning to launch a N10 billion cancer health fund to be driven by the private sector to serve as an alternative source of funding for cancer treatment and management in the country.
The body also appealed to the federal government to increase the amount allocated to Cancer Health Fund to help address the health menace.
It said that NCS expected the government to vote at least N1 billion for the Cancer Health Fund for this fiscal year.
Speaking at a Seminar for Health Correspondents in Abuja organised by the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) in conjunction with PATHFINDER, President of NCS, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, said the organisation is working on an initiative to mobilize funds from individuals and private sector entities to the tune of N10 billion in support cancer management interventions in the country.
“The government is committed to addressing cancer in Nigeria, but we need more resources to effectively tackle the disease. We are launching this initiative with the goal of raising at least N10 billion naira to support treatment, research, and awareness programs,” said the NCS President.
He explained that the fund will be an independent initiative, with prominent Nigerians and organizations being mobilized to back the cause, including leading figures in the medical, philanthropy and the private sector.
Omonisi further said: “We are appealing for reasonable allocation government but whether this materializes or not, NCS will still go ahead to launch an initiative to attract N1 billion into the Cancer Health Fund from private sector stakeholders”.
He described as paltry, the money allocated by government for the Cancer Health Fund in the proposed 2025 budget.
He said in view of the huge cost attached to cancer management, NCS will mobilize a private sector-led fund to tune of N1 billion to help provide hospital facilities and assistance to cancer patients.
According to Omonisi, cancer disease treatment is very capital-intensive exercise which often requires about N20 million for a single individual case management.
