Imo First Lady Advocates for Increased Funding to Support Cancer Patients

The First Lady of Imo State, Chioma Uzodinma, has emphasized the need for a substantial increase in Nigeria's cancer support fund to help alleviate the financial strain faced by vulnerable patients.

Mrs. Uzodinma made these comments on Tuesday in Abuja during a symposium held to observe World Cancer Day 2026. The event was organized by Project Pink Blue, a non-profit organization dedicated to cancer treatment and advocacy.

The symposium, themed "Cancer, Conflicts and Insecurity in Nigeria: What Can We Do to Ensure Access to Cancer Care for Vulnerable Communities Amid Conflicts and Insecurity?", drew health professionals, policymakers, and advocates who discussed the negative impact of insecurity on cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

As chair of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), Mrs. Uzodinma called for an expansion of the current cancer funding framework to accommodate more patients and subsidize treatments for the underprivileged.

She highlighted that many families in Nigeria experience catastrophic out-of- pocket expenses, especially when dealing with non-communicable diseases such as cancer.

The First Lady urged the federal government and relevant stakeholders to enhance community outreach and radio campaigns aimed at dispelling myths surrounding cancer, reducing stigma, and promoting early detection.

Mrs. Uzodinma also called for stronger execution of the National Cancer Control Plan across various states, stressing that effective implementation and communication of the policy would help synchronize federal and local efforts.

Additionally, she advocated for the ongoing enhancement of cancer services within the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which currently offers free cancer screenings in Imo State.

"We advocate for more states to adopt similar measures," she stated, emphasizing the importance of making cancer care accessible nationwide.

The First Lady also urged the government to retain oncology professionals by improving their working conditions and providing incentives for career development to counteract brain drain, which hampers the nation's ability to effectively respond to cancer.

Moreover, she called for the expansion of a recently enacted executive order that exempts pharmaceutical inputs from taxes, ensuring affordable cancer medications reach conflict-affected regions.

Mrs. Uzodinma reinforced the necessity of long-term cancer control strategies that focus on systemic changes through cross-sector partnerships among governmental bodies, private enterprises, and international organizations.

She underscored the urgent need to rebuild health infrastructures that have been damaged by conflict, including transport systems and medical supply networks, to facilitate better access to care.

Additionally, she advocated for sustained investments in local research and data systems, particularly concerning the proposed National Cancer Registries and clinical trials overseen by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment in Nigeria (NICRAT).

In closing, she noted, "The battle against cancer in Nigeria requires a united front in addressing our unique challenges. I implore all stakeholders to engage in these collective solutions while honoring the courage of survivors, their caregivers, and healthcare workers."

Mao Ohabunwa, a former senator from Abia North, also addressed the symposium, describing cancer treatment as a national emergency, especially in regions affected by conflict. He remarked, "Cancer treatment necessitates national emergency status, particularly in vulnerable areas where conflict impedes access to treatment and screening."

Mercy Spoporuchi, a breast cancer survivor and patient navigator with Project Pink Blue, highlighted insecurity and a lack of treatment facilities as significant barriers to care. "Imagine if we had hospitals in each state. Patients wouldn't have to travel over 500 kilometers for treatment," she stated.