FG Launches Social Support Fund for Cancer Patients in South-East

Officials of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside stakeholders, during the launch of the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Fund for cancer patients at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, where 21 beneficiaries were selected for financial support under the National Cancer Control Programme.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through the National Cancer Control Programme, has launched the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Fund to support cancer patients in the South-East region.

The initiative, themed “Removing Barriers to Cancer Care: Supporting Access to Life-Saving Treatment,” identified 21 beneficiaries across the five South-East states in its first phase. Each beneficiary is to receive ₦100,000, amounting to a total disbursement of ₦2.1 million.

Flagging off the programme at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said the intervention is designed to reduce socio-economic barriers affecting access to cancer treatment. He was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Daju Kachollom.

Dr. Salako noted that many patients face challenges such as transportation costs, accommodation, loss of income, nutrition, and psychosocial pressures, stressing that addressing these factors is critical to achieving equitable cancer care. He added that the programme aligns with the Nigeria National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030) and ongoing health sector reforms.

The Minister also confirmed that the initiative, previously launched in the North-Central zone, will be expanded to all six geopolitical zones. 

He called for stronger collaboration from development partners, corporate organisations, and civil society, noting that cancer control requires collective responsibility.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Obinna Onodugo, described the initiative as a shift toward addressing social and economic determinants of health. He said the programme reflects a broader approach to healthcare that goes beyond clinical treatment.

The President of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, represented by the Enugu State Chairman, Dr. Samson Ezea, described the intervention as a landmark in Nigeria’s cancer response, noting that many patients struggle more with access-related challenges than the disease itself.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the state government is strengthening healthcare delivery through expanded primary healthcare centres across all 260 wards and upgrading secondary and tertiary health facilities, including plans for an international hospital.

Also speaking, the South-East Liaison of the NCCP Technical Working Group, Emeritus Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, expressed optimism about stronger multi-sectoral collaboration, while the Anglican Bishop of Ikwo, Rt. Rev. Ken Ifemere, urged greater church involvement in cancer awareness and early detection, sharing his personal experience as a prostate cancer survivor.

A beneficiary representative, Mr. Daniel Oforbike, thanked the Federal Government for the intervention, describing it as a source of relief and renewed hope for patients living with cancer.