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The Federal Government has announced stronger measures to prevent and detect liver cancer early by intensifying the prevention and control of hepatitis B and C infections. The Minister of State for Health, Dr Adekunle Salako, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at the 5th Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Consortium Conference, which brought together cancer specialists, researchers and healthcare professionals from more than 30 African countries, alongside participants from the United States, Europe and Asia. The conference focused on improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the liver, pancreas, biliary system and gastrointestinal tract.
Salako, represented by the Director of Clinical Services at the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof Musa Ali-Gonbe, said Nigeria’s cancer response continues to face major challenges, including late presentation, inadequate specialised diagnostic services, shortages of skilled healthcare personnel and limited access to advanced treatment. He also identified the high cost of treatment, weaknesses within the health system and insufficient research as factors contributing to poor cancer outcomes. The minister said the government is giving particular attention to liver cancer by strengthening hepatitis B and C vaccination, screening, diagnosis and treatment, while also working to improve early detection.
According to the minister, the Federal Government is implementing measures under the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan to expand diagnostic and treatment services and integrate cancer screening into primary healthcare. He stressed that improving cancer outcomes would require stronger collaboration among government agencies, medical professionals, researchers, civil society organisations, development partners and the private sector. Salako called for coordinated action, sustainable financing and stronger political commitment to ensure that advances in cancer research and prevention are translated into accessible healthcare services for Nigerians.
