Nigeria launches free cancer screening for 1,000 individuals in Ebonyi, promoting early detection and healthcare capacity building

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, and his team on Wednesday commenced free cancer screening for the first 1,000 individuals at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AEFUTHA), Abakaliki.

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Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Daju Kachollom, the Minister said the initiative is part of a nationwide exercise to mark World Cancer Day 2026. He noted that cancer accounts for nearly 10,000 deaths annually in Nigeria.

Prof. Pate revealed that patients diagnosed during the screening would receive treatment, highlighting the importance of early detection in saving lives, reducing financial burden, and improving national productivity.

“Under the present administration, we are strengthening healthcare services, expanding the health insurance scheme, improving access to diagnosis, enhancing local pharmaceutical production, and modernising tertiary institutions,” he said.

The event also marked the start of capacity building for healthcare workers on treatment protocols, chemo-safety, and pain management.

The Minister commended partnering agencies and Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Nwifuru, for providing a conducive environment for the initiative.

Prof. Robinson Onoh, Chief Medical Director of AEFUTHA, described the hospital as a hub for medical tourism, serving residents from Ebonyi, other Nigerian states, and foreign nationals.

He said the programme aims to raise nationwide awareness and promote early detection of the three most common cancers: breast, cervical, and prostate.

Healthcare providers under the National Comprehensive Cancer Network will be trained using harmonised guidelines on pain management.

The programme also includes primary prevention strategies such as health education, awareness campaigns, vaccination, and screening.

“It is worth noting that national regional centres were selected to celebrate World Cancer Day. Ebonyi State was chosen to represent the South-East zone, while AEFUTHA provides free screening for 1,000 individuals,” Prof. Onoh said.

The hospital chief commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda and interventions in the health sector, as well as the state government for creating an enabling environment.

Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Mrs Patricia Obila, welcomed the initiative and assured continued support for health programmes.

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He highlighted the state’s efforts in revitalising 13 general hospitals and improving welfare for healthcare personnel.