By Lilian U. Okoro

The Society for Cellular Pathology Scientists of Nigeria (SCPSN) has called for the adoption of ‘Genomic Testing’ for improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer disease in Nigeria.

The National President of SCPSN, Dr Jonathan Madukwe, made the call at the eighth International Scientific Conference/Annual General Meeting of the association on Tuesday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference has the theme: “Application of Genomic Testing for Improved Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of Cancer.”

Madukwe described genomic testing as a more advanced method in the management of cancer disease that involves genetic, molecular and heterogeneous information/causative factors of cancer.

He, however, identified lifestyle changes, environmental and dietary factors as major contributing elements of cancer disease.

According to him, people should be mindful of the lifestyle, environmental and dietary risk factors of cancer; identify them and try as much as possible to avoid them.

“It has been obvious that over the past 10 years, the environment and lifestyle have rapidly been changing, and these changes have contributed to changes in cancer cells and consequently resulting to rise in cancer cases.

“So, it is imperative that people identify the lifestyle changes, environmental and dietary factors that can expose one to the risk of cancer disease and avoid them.

“Presently, several screening tools are being made available and one of them is the Genomic Testing, which is very effective in the treatment of cancer because it provides information about the root causative agent or the genetic cause of a cancer.

“But, in doing all of these, early detection is key in the management and prevention of cancer. Maintaining regular screening is paramount to detect when one is at risk,” Madukwe said.

A Professor of Anaerobic Bacteriology and Human Microbiome, University of Lagos, Francisca Nwokorie, said the genomic technique gives more accurate, reliable and effective results for palliative care of cancer disease.

Nwokorie called for more collaboration and awareness programmes to educate the populace about the technique and enhance its access, adoption and application.

She emphasised the need for the Federal Government to give the enabling environment for provision of the genomic technique equipment, considering its huge cost implication.

“Good enough the University of Lagos College of Medicine has the new generation genomic testing equipment and likewise the Lagos University Teaching Hospital is making effort for procurement.

“But the government can make efforts to ensure more availability of these heavy equipment because of their cost, so that, while we are activating more awareness, the techniques will be readily available for people to easily access them,” Nwokorie said.

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Mr Daniel Osiagwu, urged the public to embrace genomic testing to identify the root cause for effective treatment.

Osiagwu, who decried the high cost of the genomic testing equipment, urged the government to come up with policies aimed at subsidising the price to encourage easy access and affordability.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Joseph Ogunwuyi, said the conference provides a unique opportunity for scientists and participants to engage with colleagues, share experiences and learn from one another.

Ogunwuyi, also a Founding Father of the society, urged pathologists/scientists to embrace Artificial Intelligence, describing it as the way to go.

According to him, the conference aims to promote collaboration, innovation and excellence in histopathology practice for improved healthcare outcomes and service delivery.

The programme featured presentation of awards to some personalities for their outstanding contributions toward the growth of the association. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

By Perpetua Onuegbu

Rotary International District 9127 has pledged to eradicate polio and promote maternal and child health across Nigeria.

Dame Joy Okoro made the pledge at her installation as the new District Governor of District 9127 in Abuja.

She succeeds Mr Mike Nwagoshiri and will serve from July 1 to June 30, 2026.

She said Rotary had led the global fight against polio and was close to completing the mission, with only two countries left.

“As a District Governor, I am particularly passionate about some critical areas which are close to my heart and will form the cornerstone of my tenure, in alignment with Rotary priorities.

“These are maternal and child health, empowerment of women, especially resilient widows, and of course, polio eradication. Every mother and child deserve to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

“We will strive to implement projects that provide access to essential health care, promote education and safe practices, and create healthier environments for our most vulnerable.

“Furthermore, empowering women, particularly widows, is not just about charity, it is about justice, dignity, and unlocking the full potential of our communities,” she said.

Okoro said the strategy for polio eradication would include advocacy, partnerships, and training of health workers, while Rotarians would take the message to communities where the disease persists.

She recalled distributing delivery kits to over 100 pregnant women in Masaka, Nasarawa, and arranging support for expectant mothers in need of caesarean operations.

Gov. Caleb Muftwang of Plateau, who attended the event, commended Rotary’s service to humanity.

“One of the most important stories in the Bible is the story of the Good Samaritan, where the Bible defined the concept of who is your neighbour.

“In Nigeria today, we are still faced with issues of infant and maternal mortality, which is one of the worst in Africa.

“Your investments in health care and water are not misplaced in changing the narrative and improving lives.

“We rely on organisations like yours to fill the gap, the government alone cannot do it. Those that God has given resources should reach out to those in need,” he said.

Mrs Ijeoma Okoro, a member of the Board of Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, urged the new District Governor to intensify efforts to eradicate polio in District 9127.

“We still have pockets of vaccine-derived cases in this district. We have them in Maiduguri, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina. So, the whole point is to ensure that we don’t have those cases,” she said.

NAN reports that District 9127 covers 16 states and the FCT. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Aderogba George

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions (NANNM-FHI), has rejected a recent circular issued by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC).

The association called it unfair and dismissive of the role of nurses in federal health institutions.

The circular, No. SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27 and titled “Review of Allowances for Medical/Dental Officers in the Federal Public Service,” was criticised for excluding nurses from key allowance revisions.

Rising from an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja, the association said the circular failed to recognise the important contributions of nurses, who account for between 60 and 70 per cent of the healthcare workforce.

NANNM-FHI President, Nurse Morakinyo-Olajide Rilwan, told journalists that the circular was issued without prior consultation with the association, in spite of its impact on a major segment of healthcare professionals.

He said the document did not address critical allowances due to nurses, including shift, uniform, specialist, call duty, and retention allowances.

“Nurses run intensive shifts, spending extended hours with patients and their relatives. Yet, our current shift allowance is just 8.5 per cent of our salary, despite a 2009 circular approving 30 per cent of basic salary,” Rilwan said.

He added that nurses are required to change uniforms multiple times daily due to the nature of their duties, stressing that uniform allowance should reflect this reality.

“Uniforms are essential, not optional. At a minimum, we need three uniforms a week,” he said.

Rilwan said the selective application of the specialist allowance was discriminatory and unfair to nurses with specialist qualifications.

He noted that nursing includes several specialist cadres who deserve equal treatment.

He called on the Federal Government to prioritise the retention of trained nurses, who are increasingly migrating abroad in search of better conditions.

“Nigeria has the nurses, but we are losing them due to poor welfare and policy neglect,” he said.

Rilwan also urged the government to reconstitute the Governing Board of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, saying it had remained dormant for years.

He added that nurses must also be included in the boards of Federal Health Institutions, as they represent the largest workforce in the sector.

He expressed concern over the removal of nurse educators, especially those on grade levels 7 and 8, from clinical duties, in spite of their role in training student nurses.

“The same circular states that trainers should be paid. Yet, those training others are being sidelined,” he said.

The NANNM-FHI president further demanded internship placements for university-trained nurses to enable them to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), recommending a centralised system to ensure uniformity and quality.

He also called for the creation of a Department of Nursing within the Federal Ministry of Health.

“While we have a Director of Nursing, there is no actual department. There should be directorates for training, statistics, and clinical practice within that framework,” he said.

Rilwan said the association was open to engagement and dialogue with the government and would allow time for an appropriate response.

However, he warned that failure to act could lead to industrial action. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

By Folasade Akpan

The Legislative Network on Cancer (LNC) has called for the allocation of N5 billion to the Cancer Health Fund (CHF) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget to scale up access to treatment for indigent cancer patients.

Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and a founding member of the LNC, made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja at the second Legislative Summit on Sustainable Cancer Care Financing and the formal launch of the LNC.

Oloriegbe emphasised that the proposed funding increase was essential due to Nigeria’s growing population and the corresponding rise in cancer cases.

“This is a key problem because of our population. So, the funding should increase,” he said.

Recalling his tenure as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health in the Ninth Assembly, Oloriegbe noted that the CHF was initially established in the 2020 Appropriation Act with a N750 million allocation in 2021.

“However, subsequent funding has declined over the years.”

In his welcome address, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), highlighted the persistent inaccessibility and unaffordability of cancer care in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas.

Represented by Prof. Ali Gombe, he stated that the CHF currently operated through six Centres of Excellence (COEs), providing free treatment for indigent patients with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

“Though the programme is not without challenges, close to 2,000 patients have benefitted since its inception in 2021,” he said.

Aliyu identified inadequate funding as a major obstacle to scaling the programme and expanding coverage to more facilities and cancer types.

He also noted that for the first time, a Childhood Cancer Fund had been included in the national budget, with N150 million allocated to the CHF and N50 million specifically for pediatric cancer treatment in the 2025 budget.

“To this end, the LNC is an innovative step toward legislative engagement, oversight, and sustained commitment.

“Through this initiative, we can advocate for increased budgetary allocation, especially to the CHF,” he added.

Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stressed that common cancers such as breast, cervical, prostate, and colorectal remained highly prevalent in Nigeria, often diagnosed at late stages with poor outcomes.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant (Technical), Dr Lolade Kehinde, Salako pointed to significant gaps in public awareness, screening access, affordability of care, and overall health system capacity.

He described the LNC’s launch as a strategic alliance that integrated legislation, advocacy, and oversight into Nigeria’s cancer control strategy.

“We appreciate the efforts of members of the National Assembly for their commitment to increasing appropriations for cancer control.

“With your support, we can prioritise cancer prevention and control, strengthen policies on tobacco control, HIV prevention, vaccination, and occupational health.

“We can also explore innovative financial models, including taxes on sugar, alcohol, and tobacco.”

In his presentation titled “Breast Cancer Disease Burden in Nigeria,” Prof. Emmanuel Ezeome said the primary driver of the increasing breast cancer incidence in Nigeria was population growth.

He noted that between 1990 and 2019, breast cancer cases in sub-Saharan Africa rose by 247 per cent, with Nigeria recording the highest increase.

Similarly, he said breast cancer-related deaths increased by 184 per cent, with Nigeria accounting for 24 per cent of the regional total.

Ezeome emphasised the importance of early detection, effective treatment access, and investment in health infrastructure as critical to reversing the rising cancer burden.

He called on stakeholders across sectors to support the development of cancer treatment centres, including radiotherapy units, MRI and PET scan facilities, SPECT machines, and advanced laboratories.

“It is our moral responsibility to contribute meaningfully rather than invest in ventures that do not serve public health,” he stated.

Rep. Amos Gwamina, Chairman of the LNC and House Committee on Health Institutions, reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to prioritising cancer financing in the 2026 budget.

“We are going to do everything possible to ensure that funds are appropriated, monitored, and implemented.

“Oversight will be key. We are also committed to strengthening the NHIA and addressing out-of-pocket expenses,” he said.

Mr Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Pharmaceuticals Nigeria, highlighted that a well-structured cancer care system would benefit the broader health sector.

“We won’t build hospitals only for cancer. The infrastructure can be used to treat many other diseases.

“If we get cancer care right, we will be solving several problems at once,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LNC is envisioned as a national platform for multi-sectoral collaboration among lawmakers, government agencies, the private sector, and civil society to address Nigeria’s rising cancer burden. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru