Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kazeem Biriowo
Published on 2024-03-07 16:13:08
The Director General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, recently met with the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disability (NCPWD), Mr. James David Lalu, and his team to discuss the suspended free cancer treatment program for individuals living with disabilities in Nigeria.
During the meeting in Abuja, Prof. Malami expressed his commitment to reviving the free cancer treatment program for people with disabilities that was previously provided during the past administration. He acknowledged the importance of this program and promised to investigate the reasons for its suspension in order to reactivate it.
Furthermore, Prof. Malami highlighted the Institute’s willingness to collaborate with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the NCPWD to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to cancer treatment. He mentioned that the NHIA already covers some forms of cancer and emphasized the need to ensure that people with disabilities are also included in this coverage.
In addition, the NICRAT Director General mentioned the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), which is currently in the pilot stage and is being redesigned to better meet the needs of vulnerable individuals in the country. He explained that efforts are being made to enhance public trust in the fund and increase support from the government and the public sector to effectively implement the program.
Mr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, raised concerns about the lack of access to cancer screening and treatment for Albinos and individuals living with disabilities. He stressed the need for collaboration with NICRAT to ensure easy accessibility to cancer treatment centers across the country, especially in remote areas where many Albinos may not have prompt access to screening and treatment.
Mr. Lalu also highlighted the importance of providing sun cream to Albino patients to help minimize the impact of the sun on their skin. He called for advocacy and sensitization efforts to raise awareness about the prevention of skin cancer among Albinos in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment to save lives.
Overall, the meeting between NICRAT and NCPWD representatives reflected a shared commitment to improving access to cancer treatment for individuals living with disabilities in Nigeria. Through collaboration and reactivation of the suspended free cancer treatment program, both organizations aim to address the healthcare needs of vulnerable populations and reduce the burden of skin cancer among Albinos in the country.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
