….As 200 beneficiaries get N100.000 each
AKOR SYLVESTER, Abuja
The federal government has unveiled a N50 million Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Fund to support cancer patients to enable them to meet the challenges of transportation, accommodation, feeding and other non-medical issues.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who stated this at the official flag-off of the fund in Abuja Wednesday, disclosed that more than 200 verified cancer patients would immediately benefit from the intervention with a minimum grant of N100,000 each.
He said the initiative was designed to provide relief for vulnerable cancer patients who, despite government efforts to subsidise treatment, still struggle with the social and economic costs associated with seeking care.
The minister noted that, over 600 cancer patients had applied for support, while more than 200 applicants had successfully passed the verification process conducted through their attending physicians and medical directors.
He said: “In order to demonstrate a shared sense of purpose and encourage this noble initiative, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will provide N50 million as government’s initial contribution to the SDoH Fund for cancer patients,” he said.
“All those who have applied and have been verified will receive at least N100,000 to help address some of the non-medical barriers to accessing cancer care.”
Salako expressed worry that many cancer patients abandon treatment as they cannot afford transportation, accommodation and feeding expenses, especially when treatment centres are located far from their homes.
He noted that these challenges often result in delayed treatment, poor adherence to medical advice and unfavourable outcomes.
“Cancer patients face many non-medical social barriers which prevent them from accessing or completing treatment. These barriers disproportionately affect low-income and vulnerable Nigerians,” Salako noted.
Samako explained that the fund was established following recommendations by the National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030 Technical Working Group, which identified social determinants as a major obstacle to effective cancer care.
The minister commended the Technical Working Group chaired by Prof. Folakemi Odedina, Global Director of Oncology at the Mayo Clinic, United States, and co-chaired by the Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), Prof. Malami Aliyu, for championing the initiative.
He praised members of the group for making personal donations running into millions of naira to kick-start the fund.
Salako said the programme complements other interventions including the Cancer Health Fund, Cancer Access Partnership, Vulnerable Group Fund and the Nigeria Cancer Society Cancer Intervention Fund.
The minister reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment across the country.
He said: To Nigerians battling cancer, I want to assure you that this administration is committed to ensuring that your diagnosis does not become a death sentence.
“We are expanding treatment infrastructure, subsidising chemotherapy and radiotherapy, promoting early diagnosis through free screening services and providing support to help patients access care.”
Salako further disclosed that the initiative would serve as a platform for attracting donations from corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to strengthen support for cancer patients nationwide.
He urged managers of the fund to ensure transparency, accountability and fairness in its administration.
Flagging off the programme, the minister expressed confidence that the intervention would ease the burden on patients and improve treatment outcomes across the country.
For a better society
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Peter Anayo
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