By Folasade Akpan

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) says it aims to raise N100 billion over a period of five years to support cancer survivors and promote cancer research in Nigeria.

The President of the society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, disclosed this in commemoration of National Cancer Survivors’ Day.

Omonisi said that the National Executive Council (NEC) of the society had recently approved the establishment of the NCS National Cancer Intervention Fund (NCS-NCIF), which would be launched in July.

According to him, the fund will be managed by an independent governing council, chaired by global health financial expert, Dr Gafar Alawode.

Other appointees include Dr Uchechukwu Nwokwu, Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme, who will serve as the Vice-Chairman, as well as two cancer survivors, Ms Tinu Lawal and Ms Chioma Ikejiani, who will represent the interests of survivors on the council.

Highlighting the significance of the day, Omonisi said June 1 is observed globally to celebrate cancer survivors, connect with them, and assess various survivorship programmes.

“Today, I honour all cancer survivors in Nigeria, as well as their families and caregivers. We must celebrate those who have successfully gone through cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Cancer survivorship, to me, is about helping people lead full and healthy lives after a cancer diagnosis. May the good Lord grant all cancer survivors more strength, long life, and a brighter, healthier future. Amen.”

He described cancer survivors and their families as vital partners in the field of oncology, adding that they form one of the key pillars of the society’s strategic agenda.

To reinforce this, he said the NCS had begun fully incorporating survivors into its governance structure.

As part of this effort, the NEC also approved the creation of the Nigerian Coalition for Cancer Survivors (NCCS), an arm of the NCS that will serve as the collective voice of cancer survivors in the country.

In addition, he announced plans to launch the “Employ Cancer Survivors” initiative to tackle unemployment among survivors.

While reiterating the society’s commitment to prioritising survivor-related issues, Omonisi noted that the NCS was engaging the Federal Government on the high cost and unavailability of critical cancer medications in the country.

“We are engaging NICRAT on the National Cancer Health Fund (NCHF), and we are grateful to the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment for his commitment to ensuring the speedy disbursement of the fund to all beneficiaries,” he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that National Cancer Survivors Day is set aside to celebrate and honour the strength and resilience of cancer survivors.

The aim is to recognise and celebrate the milestones of cancer survivors, raise awareness about cancer survivorship, support vital cancer services and create a sense of community among survivors, families, and care teams. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru