The federal government has started a new Social Determinants of Health Fund for Cancer Patients. They are putting in N50 million to help Nigerians who face challenges that stop them from getting or finishing cancer treatment.
Iziaq Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, announced this on Wednesday during the launch of the program in Abuja.
He explained that the fund aims to provide quick and fair support for cancer patients dealing with issues like transport costs, housing expenses, lack of food, and no social support.
Mr Salako said these problems lead to delays in treatment, poor care adherence, and bad health outcomes for cancer patients, especially those from low-income and marginalized areas.
"Many cancer patients still find it hard to start and finish treatment because they cannot afford food, transport, and shelter, especially in cities where services are available," he said.
He noted that over 600 cancer patients have already asked for help through this initiative, and more than 200 of them have been checked out by medical directors and doctors at treatment centers.
Verified beneficiaries will get at least N100,000 each to help with some non-medical costs linked to their treatment.
"The disbursement will go directly to verified beneficiaries to tackle some of the barriers to cancer care," he said.
Mr Salako mentioned that the N50 million from the ministry shows the government’s commitment and aims to attract more support for the program.
He added that the fund comes from suggestions made by the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group, formed after the launch of Nigeria’s National Cancer Control Plan 2026, 2030.
He praised the group, led by Folakemi Odedina, global director of Oncology at the Mayo Clinic in the US, for their dedication to improving cancer care and their personal financial support for this initiative.
According to him, the SDoH Fund works alongside other government programs like the Cancer Health Fund, Cancer Access Partnership, Vulnerable Group Fund, and the National Cancer Society Cancer Intervention Fund.
He said this initiative fits with the ministry’s expanded role in social welfare and is expected to boost financial protection for vulnerable cancer patients.
Besides government funding, Mr Salako said the initiative aims to attract help from businesses, philanthropists, and private citizens.
He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in handling the fund to ensure that help goes to those who need it.
"This initiative is made to create chances to gather private funds to fill gaps in patient treatment and support government health budgets," he said.
The launch of the fund happens during the 2026 Cancer Survivors Month, which is recognized worldwide every June. This month celebrates people living with and beyond cancer while highlighting the challenges they still face after treatment.
A key event in June is the National Cancer Survivors Day, which was celebrated this year on June 7.
This observance shows the strength of cancer survivors and raises awareness about barriers to good care, like financial struggles, access to treatment, and social support.
The 2026 observance focused on celebrating life while pushing for more support for cancer survivors and patients dealing with the disease.
Mr Salako said the timing of the initiative shows the government’s support for cancer survivors and its aim to improve cancer care results.
He thanked cancer survivors in Nigeria for their advocacy and support for others living with the disease.
Mr Salako also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to improving cancer prevention and control services. This includes free screening programs, better treatment facilities, and subsidies for chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
He said the government aims to cut Nigeria’s cancer burden by 50 percent by 2030 through prevention, early detection, and better access to treatment.
"To fellow Nigerians fighting cancer, I assure you that this administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to making sure that a cancer diagnosis does not become a death sentence," he said.
Cancer is a group of diseases marked by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. If not found and treated early, it can spread to other organs and become dangerous.
The disease remains a big public health challenge in Nigeria, where many patients are diagnosed late due to low awareness, insufficient screening, and limited access to specialized treatment.
High healthcare costs mean many patients find it hard to pay for treatment, causing some to delay or stop care.
In July 2025, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Nigeria sees about 127,000 new cancer cases each year, leading to around 80,000 deaths.
Health experts have often pointed out that non-medical costs like transport, accommodation, and feeding are major barriers to treatment adherence, especially for patients who have to travel far to get to specialized cancer centers.
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