(SINL NIGERIA) The Federal Government has launched the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Fund for Cancer Patients Initiative and announced an initial contribution of Fifty Million Naira (₦50 million) to support vulnerable cancer patients across the country.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made this known on Wednesday during the official flag-off of the disbursement of the initiative in Abuja
Dr. Salako stated that the initiative was designed to provide timely, equitable and accountable non-medical support to cancer patients facing challenges such as transportation costs, accommodation, feeding and inadequate social support, which often prevent them from accessing, initiating or completing treatment.
He noted that despite significant investments in improving cancer care infrastructure, expanding treatment services and subsidizing cancer care, many patients still struggle with the social and economic barriers, reiterating that addressing these barriers is critical to improving population health outcomes.
He further stated that establishment of the fund which was approved to complement existing government interventions, followed a recommendation by the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group (TWG), led by Professor Folakemi Odedina, Global Director of Oncology at Mayo Clinic, USA, and Co-Chair, Professor Malami Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
The Minister commended them for their commitment to mobilizing resources and personally contributing to the initiative.
Dr. Salako revealed that over 600 cancer patients had already applied for support under the programme, while more than 200 applicants had been successfully verified through a rigorous process involving Medical Directors and attending physicians in their respective healthcare facilities, adding that all verified beneficiaries will receive a minimum of One Hundred Thousand Naira (₦100,000) each to help address non-medical barriers to treatment, with funds to be disbursed directly to beneficiaries to ensure transparency and accountability.
The Minister, reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensuring that cancer diagnosis does not become a death sentence through sustained investments in prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support programmes.
Dr. Adekunle Salako urged corporate organizations, high-net-worth individuals, philanthropic foundations and well-meaning Nigerians to support the initiative through donations and partnerships, stressing that the fund provides an opportunity to mobilize additional resources to bridge gaps in cancer care financing and strengthen support for patients.
Also speaking, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom described the launch of the Social Determinants Of Health as a significant milestone in collective effort to improve cancer care and outcomes in Nigeria, adding that the initiative also reflects the growing understanding that health outcomes are influenced not only by the quality of medical care patients receive, but also by the conditions in which they live and access care.
According to her, for many cancer patients, barriers such as transportation costs, accommodation challenges, loss of income, nutrition needs, and limited social support can significantly affect their ability to complete treatment and achieve positive outcomes, stressing that the initiative will directly address these challenges and support the implementation of the Nigeria National Cancer Control Plan (NNCCP) 2026-2030.
“The launch of this initiative demonstrates that we are moving beyond policy intentions to practical interventions that address the realities faced by patients and their families. It also reinforces our conviction that effective cancer control requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.” She said.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged the resilience and courage of cancer patients across the country, assuring that the Ministry will continue to expand access to quality and affordable cancer care through investments in cancer treatment infrastructure, free screening programmes, subsidised treatment services, and the Cancer Health Fund, which thousands of Nigerians have already benefited from these interventions.
“This effort aligns squarely with the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare: to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and produce health for all Nigerians. Today’s launch is a practical demonstration of that commitment.”
According to her, the fight against cancer cannot be won by government alone, it requires collective action, compassion, and sustained commitment, therefore called on philanthropists, corporate organisations, development partners, professional associations, and all individuals of goodwill to join government in supporting this noble cause.
“I am encouraged by the partnerships represented in this room today and optimistic about what we can achieve together. Together, we can help more patients overcome the barriers that stand between them and the care they need.” She appealed.
