The Global Advisory Council of the Technical Working Group (TWG) for the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP) has commended the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) for its efforts to strengthen cancer prevention, research and treatment in Nigeria.
Chairperson of the Global Advisory Council, Prof. Dr. Folakemi Odedina, gave the commendation when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the management of NICRAT in Abuja.
Prof. Odedina praised the pace of reforms under the leadership of NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, describing the Institute’s efforts as encouraging in the country’s fight against cancer.
She said the Council was working closely with NICRAT to support initiatives in areas including research and innovation, clinical trials and the development of strategies to improve cancer care in Nigeria.
Prof. Odedina said the Technical Working Group would continue to provide technical guidance to support initiatives capable of reducing the country’s cancer burden, adding that a strategy meeting was expected before the end of the year.
Responding, the NICRAT Director-General, Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, reiterated the Institute’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders in the fight against cancer.
Represented by the Director of Clinical Services, Prof. Musa Ali-Gombe, the DG stressed that NICRAT could not tackle the cancer burden alone without the active participation, support and cooperation of critical stakeholders.
He called for continued support and collaboration from members of the Global Advisory Council, noting that such partnerships would help the Institute achieve its objective of reducing the cancer burden in Nigeria.
Prof. Aliyu also commended members of the Council for their individual and collective contributions to the global fight against cancer, particularly their efforts to support Nigeria’s cancer control agenda.
He said NICRAT was implementing several innovative programmes aimed at strengthening cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, research and other aspects of cancer control.
The Global Advisory Council of the NCCP Technical Working Group is an international leadership body supporting the “Cancer Free Nigeria 2030” campaign.
The NCCP seeks to reduce Nigeria’s cancer burden by 2030 through improved prevention, early detection, prompt treatment, research and effective cancer data management.