FG prioritises hepatitis B, C prevention to curb liver cancer

The Nigerian government is prioritizing the prevention and early detection of liver cancer by strengthening efforts to combat hepatitis B and C, according to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adekunle Salako. This commitment was made at the 5th Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Consortium Conference in Abuja, where experts from over 30 African countries, as well as specialists from the United States, Europe, and Asia, gathered to discuss strategies to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal cancers.

Salako highlighted the challenges Nigeria faces in addressing liver cancer, which include late presentation, inadequate specialized diagnostic services, shortages of skilled personnel, limited access to advanced treatment, high treatment costs, weak health systems, and insufficient research. He emphasized that the government is focusing on preventing and controlling hepatitis B and C through vaccination, screening, diagnosis, and treatment, as part of the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan.

The minister also stressed the importance of integrating cancer screening into primary healthcare and strengthening referral pathways to tertiary centers. He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, professional bodies, academia, civil society, development partners, and the private sector to improve cancer outcomes in Nigeria.

Salako further advocated for increased investment in African-led research, cancer registries, clinical trials, technology, innovation, and digital health, including the deployment of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to enhance early cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.