National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR) has urged the Federal Government to channel tax revenue generated from Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) to funding cancer care.
According to NASR, the consumption of sugary beverages is linked to increased cancer risk, in addition to other Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs).
NASR representative, Omei Bongos-Ikwue, in a statement, noted that the increasing incidence of cancer in Nigeria demands immediate attention and action, adding that cancer has become a leading cause of death in the country.
He observed that inadequate funding has hampered efforts to provide proper care and support to those affected. Citing a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Bongos-Ikwue stated that about 20 million new cancer cases occur globally every year, while about 72,000 people die from cancer yearly.
He observed that with the staggering cancer statistics, this year’s World Cancer Day presented the opportunity for the Nigerian government to accelerate action on taxing sugary drinks to reduce consumption and, ultimately, save lives.
Bongos-Ikwue noted that the growing burden of cancer translates to heightened demand for cancer care services, adding that some of the deaths could be prevented by more equitable access to care.
