By Our Reporter
The fight against cancer in Nigeria has gotten a boost. This is even asAstraZeneca, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), has launched molecular testing for cancer patients in Nigeria.
Through the Cancer Care Africa (CCA) initiative, AstraZeneca is partnering with NICRAT to provide patients in Nigeria with an equal chance for cure through early detection, screening, and diagnostics. This initiative is about the present and building a sustainable future for cancer care in Nigeria.
The initiative, delivered under the umbrella of Accelerating Change Together for Cancer Care, is a coalition of technology, policy, research pioneers, and NICRAT seeking to improve the patient cancer journey experience.
This collaboration focuses on impactful initiatives across four main pillars which include enhanced screening and diagnostics, capacity and capability building, patient empowerment and access to medicines.
“AstraZeneca will establish partnerships with Abuja National Hospital, NSIA-LUTH, and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu in setting linkages for access to molecular testing within Nigeria.The initiative will also explore screening support for patients across breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer.
“ AstraZeneca, collaborating with the Guandong Academy of Medical Sciences, will provide Nigeria-China cross border capacity building for multidisciplinary teams from chosen centres of excellence. Additionally, the initiative will enhance pathology expertise through pathologist training across Nigeria and provide oncology training for Healthcare Professionals (HCPs).
“AstraZeneca is deeply committed to working with patient association groups to reach he right communities, focusing on education and awareness. We are also committed to expanding access to innovative treatment and establishing patient support/affordability programs to enable enhanced access for Nigerian patients. This commitment is a testament to our dedication to improving cancer care in Nigeria,” explained AstraZeneca.
Deepak Arora, Country President African Cluster at AstraZeneca, highlighted the programme’s potential: “At AstraZeneca, we are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders, including governments, healthcare professionals, and patient communities, to build resilient healthcare systems and improve access to innovative cancer treatments for patients throughout Africa. This marks a significant milestone in this journey, and we are confident that it will positively impact the lives of many, bringing science to life. This commitment underscores our dedication to empowering patients in their fight against cancer,” he stressed
While launching the initiative, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the partnership between his ministry, the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and AstraZeneca will significantly enhance the nation’s cancer care space.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Research, Lolade Adeyemi, the Minister said the introduction of the EGFR test is the outcome of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration.
On his part, the Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, applauded AstraZeneca for the initiative, describing it as brilliant and timely.
Speaking during the launch of the initiative, Prof. Malami said: “In Nigeria and across Africa, lung cancer is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis, leading to delayed and ineffective treatment.
“Patients are frequently placed on anti-TB medications for extended periods, only to discover too late that their condition is actually cancer.
“AstraZeneca’s introduction of EGFR testing represents a pivotal advancement in addressing this issue. This new technology will enable more accurate and timely diagnosis, allowing for more effective treatment strategies.”
He, therefore, assured that: “NICRAT which is the leading government agency with the mandate to provide national leadership in cancer research, improve cancer treatment, prevention and care in Nigeria is committed to supporting this initiative to the later.
“With the formal launch of this initiative today by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, NICRAT believes strongly that it will boost our effort towards achieving improved cancer screening and diagnosis, expand access to innovative treatment and also contribute immensely in building the capacity of all categories of experts in the cancer space in Nigeria,” says Prof. Malami, the Director General of NICRAT.
Cancer Care Africa is AstraZeneca’s response to the growing cancer burden on the African continent, and the company aims to successfully collaborate and partner with government entities, NGOs, medical societies, and patient advocacy groups to address the urgent need for action.
