Nigeria: FG Targets Improved Cancer Care With 25 New Linear Accelerators

The Nigerian government has pledged to enhance cancer care by procuring 25 new linear accelerators between 2027 and 2029. Linear accelerators are crucial for radiotherapy, delivering high-energy radiation to cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. Health Minister Iziaq Salako announced the procurement plan during a meeting of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and Global Advisory Council.

Salako revealed that President Bola Tinubu had previously approved the plan as part of a three-year strategy to bolster cancer treatment facilities across the country. Currently, Nigeria faces a significant cancer burden, with many patients receiving treatment at late stages due to insufficient infrastructure, personnel, and funding.

To address this, the government is executing the National Cancer Control Plan 2026-2030, which emphasizes prevention, early detection, treatment, research, and collaboration. Construction of six Cancer Centres of Excellence has already begun, with three facilities completed and the remaining work underway. The government has also introduced the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into Nigeria's immunization program to tackle preventable cancers.

Additionally, efforts are underway to enhance hepatitis vaccination, expand cervical cancer screening, and integrate screening services into primary healthcare facilities. The Blood Cancer Consortium was inaugurated following the donation of equipment and resources to bolster pathology laboratories nationwide. The Global Advisory Council is providing expertise in various aspects of cancer prevention, treatment, and research.

Meeting attendees discussed progress towards the National Cancer Control Plan objectives and strategies for improving cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research, and survivorship care in Nigeria.