The Federal Government of Nigeria has dropped a hint of possible setting up of a National Agency for Cancer Control (NACC) in the country that would be responsible for research, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and palliative care for cancer patients.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole said during an interaction with Director, Head of Eastern Europe, Middle East, African (EEMEA) region, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Pharmaceuticals Division Dr. Peter HUG in Abuja that the institution will also provide leadership and technical direction for cancer control in Nigeria integrating services provided by the National Cancer Centre and in-cooperating a cluster of public and private tertiary Hospitals.

Other functions expected to be performed by the Agency include, policy formulation, advocacy and mobilization, adopt best practices as per the Global Non-Communicable Diseases Framework to make the NACC a Centre of Excellence for cancer prevention and care. It is also believed that the Agency would develop national plan for cancer prevention and care, measure burden and impact of cancer and establish registries for routine monitoring.

He said that the Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders in cancer control was working hard in creating awareness at the rural areas on early detection of cancer.

The Minister expressed government’s determination and willingness to partner with Dr. Peter HUG on cancer prevention and control in Nigeria.

“If you ask me what do I want from Dr. Peter HUG, I will say how we can build a strong partnership and move from talking to action, what can you bring to the table in terms of partnership that would bring reliable service to Nigerians.”

The Minister and Dr. Peter HUG later agreed that the partnership would focus more on Human Papiloma Virus (HPV) and Breast Cancer.

Speaking earlier, on rationale behind his visit to Nigeria Dr. Peter HUG said that they were interested in partnering with the Nigerian Government on cancer prevention and treatment.

He said they had the facilities to support Nigeria in the fight against cancer. (Independent)

•Photo shows Prof. Adewole.

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