The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a leadership programme for women in oncology, aimed at promoting inclusiveness and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in cancer care.
The programme is part of the City Cancer Care Foundation’s efforts to improve cancer control and treatment in Nigeria and other developing countries.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, in his remarks while launching the Leadership Programme for Women in Oncology (LPWO) in Abuja, disclosed that the federal government is committed to a sector-wide approach, which involves working closely with organisations such as NICRAT and NCCP to achieve a unified goal.
The Leadership Programme for Women in Oncology (LPWO) is an initiative by the City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can) and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to equip women oncologists in low- and middle-income countries with essential leadership skills to drive transformative change in cancer care.
The Minister, who was represented by his Technical Adviser, Dr Kehinde Ololade, explained that a key aspect of this approach is the construction of six new oncology centres across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
“Two of these centres are expected to be commissioned soon, with the remaining three to follow later this year.”
“The leadership programme for women in oncology is designed to promote women’s leadership in cancer care and control.
“This initiative recognises the critical role that women play in advancing healthcare and addressing the unique challenges faced by women in Nigeria.”
“In addition to infrastructure development and leadership programmes, the government is also prioritising policy integration and inclusivity.”
“This includes ensuring that people affected by cancer have a clear voice in the decision-making process.
“Recent initiatives, such as the survivorship programme held in Lagos, demonstrate the government’s commitment to supporting cancer patients and their families.”
The federal government’s efforts to improve cancer control and treatment are a testament to its commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and promoting gender equality.
“As the country continues to make strides in these areas, it is essential to recognise the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and policy integration in achieving sustainable progress,” he added.
Also, the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachallom, expressed delight in approving the request for the ministry’s endorsement and collaboration.
The Permanent Secretary, who was represented by the Director of Food and Drugs, Olubunmi Aribiana, said the decision was largely due to the cordial relationship between the ministry and the City Cancer Challenge Foundation since its inception in Abuja in 2023.
She stated that the ministry has been playing a crucial role in supporting the City Cancer Challenge’s objectives in Nigeria.
“The Leadership Programme for Women in Oncology is a flagship initiative that targets empowering women, who are disproportionately affected by cancer globally.”
“Breast cancer, the most common type of cancer in Nigeria, predominantly affects women, followed by cervical cancer.”
“The physical and socio-economic impact of cancer also affects women more than men, making it essential to empower women for leadership roles in cancer prevention, control, and management.”
“The programme has received praise for its efforts to address the gap in women’s leadership in oncology. The initiative is part of the City Cancer Challenge’s broader efforts to improve cancer care in Nigeria, including the construction of six new oncology centres across the country.”
She added that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has pledged its unwavering support to the programme, ensuring that women leaders in oncology receive the necessary support and resources to drive positive change.
She, therefore, reiterated that the launch of the Leadership Programme for Women in Oncology marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to improve cancer care and promote inclusiveness.
“As the programme empowers women leaders in oncology, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the country’s healthcare system, ultimately leading to better cancer treatment and care outcomes for all Nigerians,” she said.
Earlier, the FCT Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, noted that building gender-responsive health systems goes beyond women, men, and gender-diverse populations.
Fasawe, who is also the Chair of C/Can Abuja City Executive Committee, also said acknowledging these differences requires the development and implementation of policies, programmes, and practices that ensure equitable, inclusive, and high-quality cancer care for everyone.
“From addressing gender disparities in healthcare delivery to enhancing access to cancer prevention and screening for all, we must be deliberate in creating spaces where marginalised voices are heard and represented.”
“As we gather experts, advocates, healthcare providers, and policymakers here today, let us commit to fostering an open and solutions-oriented dialogue.”
“Together, we can identify actionable steps to integrate gender perspectives into the core of cancer care, ensuring that every patient, regardless of gender, receives the care, dignity, and support they deserve.”
Meanwhile, the Regional Director, Africa and Europe, City Cancer Challenge Foundation (C/Can), Sophie Bussmann-Kemdjo, in her welcome remarks, emphasised the significance of addressing gender gaps in healthcare leadership.
“We launched our gender strategy to respond to findings showing that women make up 70% of the healthcare workforce but hold only 25% of leadership roles.
“This programme equips women with leadership skills, mentorship opportunities, and global platforms to drive transformative change,” she said.
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