By - the Akanimo Cancer Foundation has kicked off a nationwide awareness campaign to shed light on the struggles faced by children battling cancer in Nigeria. The initiative focuses on educating the public, promoting early detection, and advocating for better support systems for young patients and their families.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme under the Federal Ministry of Health, emphasized the growing impact of childhood cancer in Nigeria. He revealed that 7.2% of the 127,000 cancer cases recorded annually in the country involve children.
“Data is still being collated, but current figures show that there are 127,000 cancer cases annually in Nigeria, out of which 7.2% affect children,” Dr. Nwokwu stated.
The campaign will feature community outreach programs, educational workshops, and partnerships with healthcare institutions to improve cancer care access. Organizers stress that early diagnosis can significantly improve survival rates, making awareness a crucial step in the fight against childhood cancer.
Beyond awareness, the foundation is pushing for increased funding, policy changes, and improved healthcare infrastructure to ensure better treatment options for affected children. Stakeholders, including medical professionals and advocacy groups, are calling on the government to prioritize pediatric oncology in national health policies.
As part of the ICCD 2025 activities, the Akanimo Cancer Foundation plans to collaborate with schools, religious organizations, and media platforms to spread critical information about childhood cancer prevention and care.
