The Medicaid Cancer Foundation has donated N3 million to 20 indigent cancer patients across the country.
A statement from the foundation, yesterday, said each of the cancer patients received an ‘Orange Box’ containing a minimum grant of N200, 000 and other essential supplies to enable them to access drugs and chemotherapy in commemoration of this year’s World Cancer Day.
Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and wife of Kebbi State governor said the successful Patient Access to Cancer Care Evolution (PACE) programme of the foundation received a boost with the inclusion of more drugs and consumables from drug companies within and outside Nigeria.
Dr Zainab, who is also a member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and the National Cancer Control Committee, said with UNITAID support, the foundation would also soon train 20 healthcare workers in Abuja and Kebbi on early treatment of cervical cancer lesions using thermal ablation, in line with WHO’s global strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.
She said considerable challenges remain in the fight against cancer and that the widespread impact of the pandemic would make it harder for countries to achieve some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She also said the COVID-19 pandemic has caused interruptions, delays and even halted prevention programmes, diagnostics and testing, as well as clinical trials and research.
“The difficulties in engaging in community outreach with restrictions on travel and social gathering creates great obstacles in low- and middle-income countries,” she said.
She added that it may also slow the implementation of WHO’s Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer within a few generations.
