FG STRENGTHENS HEPATITIS CONTROL TO CURB LIVER CANCER
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to prevent and detect liver cancer early by strengthening the prevention and control of hepatitis B and C across the country.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the 5th Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Consortium Conference.
The conference brought together cancer specialists, researchers and healthcare professionals from more than 30 African countries, as well as participants from the United States, Europe and Asia, to deliberate on strategies for improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal cancers.
Represented by the Director of Clinical Services at the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof Musa Ali-Gonbe, Salako said Nigeria’s cancer response continued to face challenges, including late presentation, inadequate specialised diagnostic services, shortage of skilled personnel and limited access to advanced treatment.
He also identified high treatment costs, weak health systems and inadequate research as major factors affecting cancer outcomes in the country.
The minister said the government was paying particular attention to liver cancer through the prevention and control of hepatitis B and C, including vaccination, screening, diagnosis and treatment.
According to him, the Federal Government is strengthening early detection and expanding diagnostic and treatment services under the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan.
He added that efforts were also underway to integrate cancer screening into primary healthcare and improve referral pathways to tertiary health facilities.
Salako stressed the need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, professional bodies, academia, civil society, development partners and the private sector to improve cancer outcomes.
“What is needed is stronger collaboration, coordinated action, sustainable financing and political commitment to translate knowledge and research into accessible healthcare services,” he said.
He further disclosed that the government was working to improve financial protection for cancer patients through initiatives including the National Cancer Health Fund and the Cancer Access Partnership Programme, which provides subsidised chemotherapy medicines.
The minister also called for increased investment in African-led cancer research, cancer registries, clinical trials, technology, innovation and digital health, including the use of artificial intelligence to improve early cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment.
Meanwhile, a cancer researcher and academic leader at Mayo Clinic, Dr Folakemi Odedina, called for deliberate investment in developing the next generation of scientists, clinicians and cancer advocates.
Odedina urged senior professionals to prioritise mentorship and succession, saying their success should be measured not only by the positions they attain but by the people and institutions they develop.
“Leadership is not the only goal, but legacy should be the goal,” she said.
Also, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Prof Abidemi Omonisi, raised concerns over Nigeria’s high hepatitis B burden, noting that chronic infection remains a major contributor to liver cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Omonisi called for the establishment of liver transplant centres in Nigeria, citing Egypt and South Africa as examples of African countries with such facilities.
He said developing liver transplant capacity locally would reduce the need for Nigerians to travel abroad for advanced cancer treatment.
Experts at the conference also highlighted hepatitis C as a major concern because of its often silent progression, which can result in late diagnosis and serious complications.
The conference focused on cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship and policy, with particular emphasis on vaccination, screening and improved care for people living with hepatitis B and C.
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