Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, a respected oncologist and Director of Clinical Trials at the University of Nigeria, Nsuka, stated that Nigeria needs a total of 250 radiotherapy machines to effectively address the issue of cancer in the country.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, she commended the Federal Government for establishing six cancer centers across the nation’s six geo-political zones, viewing this initiative as a significant step towards eradicating cancer in Nigeria.
She highlighted the government’s efforts to expand the number of cancer centers, emphasizing that a commitment has been made to equip the six geo-political zones with cutting-edge cancer treatment facilities.
Considering Nigeria’s population of approximately 250 million, the recommendation stands at one radiotherapy machine per one million people, implying that the country necessitates 250 radiotherapy machines to bridge the gap in cancer treatment effectively.
The government’s announcement included the establishment of six cancer centers at various institutions like the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja, catering to the North Central region, and the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu for the South East region.
Furthermore, a budget of N200 million has been allocated for cancer treatment and care in the 2024 fiscal plan, allocated under the Cancer Health Fund to support citizens diagnosed with cancer.