NPHCDA partners IAEA, WHO to improve early cancer detection, screening

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced a strategic partnership with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Announcing the development in Abuja on Monday, Muyi Aina, the executive director of NPHCDA, said the partnership is to integrate early cancer screening and detection into the country’s PHC framework.

Aina said the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) are also part of the partnership.

He noted that there is an urgent need for effective prevention and treatment strategies for cancer, adding that the agency had updated its minimum service package to include affordable cancer-related services at PHCs.

“By expanding our services, we aim to ensure that more Nigerians have access to early screening and detection, which are vital for effective cancer care,” NAN quoted Aina as saying.

He said the collaboration is expected to enhance training for healthcare workers at the community level to be able to identify early signs of cancer and refer patients for necessary treatment.

He also said public awareness campaigns would be vital in educating communities about the importance of regular screening and the services available to them.

Aina said the partnership is a vital strategy in addressing the healthcare challenge at a time Nigeria is facing an alarming cancer crisis, with over 100,000 new cases reported annually.

He said the NPHCDA intends to leverage the collaboration to improve cancer detection and also foster a culture of preventive healthcare across the country.

Earlier, Sani Malami, the representative of the director-general of the Nigeria Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, said NPHCDA and cancer research institutions must work in synergy to “clearly define our roles in this fight against cancer”.

He commended the NPHCDA for its proactive steps, such as introducing the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which he said plays a significant role in preventing cervical and related cancers.

Alfred Karagu, the IAEA mission lead, said PHCs are critical as the first point of contact for many patients.

“Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes,” Karagu said.

He urged the NPHCDA to continue its efforts in preventing cancer and supporting early intervention initiatives across Nigeria.