Lagos State branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has called on the government at all levels to close the care gap and make it easier for people diagnosed with cancer to enjoy affordable and accessible services.
The association, yesterday, in a statement jointly signed by its President, Dr Funmi Ige; Secretary, Dr Ifeoma Ricketts and Publicity Secretary, Dr Temitope Omosebi, as part of activities to mark the 2024 World Cancer Day, also called on the various governments to reduce the disparities in cancer incidence and mortality.
The Lagos branch of MWAN noted that the World Cancer Day, an International Awareness Day, led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), aimed at raising worldwide attention and inspiring action for a cancer-free world.
The association, therefore, urged the governments to visibly demonstrate political will to increase funding for cancer research and improve education about cancer.
“Measurable action towards universal health coverage must be taken. There is also the need to strictly regulate the production, sales and marketing of tobacco, alcohol and other carcinogenic precipitating products.
“We urge the government to implement routine screening programmes for common cancers; foster patient-centred care; and unequivocally address determinants of health,” the statement added.
