Stakeholders advocate cancer care at mapping, engagement workshop

Representatives from various institutions, including the Federal Capital Territory Administration, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, and the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, gathered alongside healthcare professionals, policymakers, civil society organizations, medical professional associations, and patients advocates for the Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Workshop co-hosted by the City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) and Federal Capital Territory Administration.

The collective goal was to chart a course towards equitable access to high-quality cancer care for Nigerians. The workshop, organized by the City Cancer Challenge, an independent Swiss foundation dedicated to supporting cities worldwide in their mission to ensure accessible and quality cancer care for all, aimed to catalyze collaborative efforts.

Operational in 15 cities worldwide, C/Can stands ready to support Abuja’s fight against cancer.

In August 2023, Abuja joined the C/Can network, marking a significant milestone in the city’s commitment to improving cancer care. To catalyze collaborative efforts and harness the collective expertise of stakeholders, a workshop was held on Tuesday 19th March 2024 in Abuja. The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the cancer ecosystem to revolutionize cancer care in the region, where alarming statistics reveal a growing burden of cancer in Nigeria.

The workshop was attended by prominent figures like Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory, and Sophie Bussman-Kemdjo, Director for Africa and Europe at City Cancer Challenge Foundation.

Dr. Fasawe’s leadership in supporting the C/Can initiative in the city greatly contributed to the success of the workshop. During the workshop, she emphasized the workshop’s critical role, saying, “This workshop was critical to the project’s success.”

Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, who represented the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, at the workshop stressed the importance of working together, saying, “It’s crucial that we join forces, collaborate, and strategize to ensure cancer patients in Abuja and across Nigeria receive the best care and support.”

Bussman-Kemdjo highlighted C/Can’s commitment to local support, stating, “We will support the effort already being made, not just dictate what should be done.”

The Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Workshop aimed to create a platform for stakeholders to interact and identify institutions and experts contributing to cancer care in Abuja. The workshop ended with the nomination of committee members, next steps, and the issuance of a report. The deliverables include a comprehensive list of cancer care stakeholders, the prospect of the formation of a City Executive Committee and City Technical Committees.

During his closing remarks, Mr. Chris Chukwunyere, the City Manager of Abuja, expressed his optimism about the outcomes of the workshop. He stated that “this collaborative effort marks a significant milestone in our journey towards improving cancer care in Abuja. By working together and leveraging the expertise of diverse stakeholders, we can make tangible progress in addressing this pressing health challenge.

As the City Cancer Challenge propels Abuja towards a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a manageable condition, the resounding message is clear: Together, we can overcome the formidable challenge of cancer and ensure a brighter, healthier tomorrow for all.