The Federal Government has flagged off South East free cancer screening exercise at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, AEFUTHA, targeting 1,000 persons.
The programme was launched on Wednesday as part of activities marking the 2026 World Cancer Day commemoration.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Daju Kachollom, explained that the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing the burden of cancer in Nigeria through early detection and improved access to care.
She noted that cancer remains a major public health challenge globally, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths annually, with breast, cervical and prostate cancers leading in incidence in Nigeria.
According to her, cervical cancer remains one of the most preventable yet most fatal cancers among Nigerian women due largely to late detection.
“The 2026 World Cancer Day theme, ‘United by Unique – United in our Goals, Unique in our Needs,’ resonates strongly with our national approach.
“While we align with global cancer control goals, our strategies must reflect Nigeria’s realities,” she said.
Kachollom explained that the free screening exercise would run throughout February across the Southeast, with individuals diagnosed through the programme receiving appropriate treatment support.
She emphasized that early detection saves lives, reduces financial hardship for families and improves national productivity.
The Permanent Secretary further disclosed that the cancer screening exercise is integrated into broader health sector reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Other reforms in the sector include the strengthening of primary healthcare systems, expansion of health insurance coverage and modernization of tertiary health institutions.
She added that the Federal Government, through the National Health Insurance Authority, has established a Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund to cover cancer, sickle cell disease and renal conditions, in addition to cancer health funds now overseen by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment.
Kachollom also assured that AEFUTHA would be developed into a comprehensive cancer centre in the next phase of the National Cancer Control Plan (2026–2030), with plans to equip it with modern diagnostic and treatment facilities such as MRI, CT scan and linear accelerator machines.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of AEFUTHA, Prof. Robinson Onoh, described the event as historic, noting that Ebonyi State was selected to represent the Southeast zone in the national commemoration.
He said the hospital has evolved into a quaternary healthcare institution serving Ebonyi, neighbouring states and parts of the North Central and South-South regions, offering specialized services including oncology, IVF, neurosurgery, dialysis and infectious disease management.
Onoh revealed that AEFUTHA was selected as a regional hub for oncology and immunohistochemistry services under the National Cancer Access Programme and would conduct free screening for 1,000 persons, fully funded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the American Cancer Society.
He stressed that cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, with approximately 127,000 new cases and 79,000 deaths recorded annually, and called for intensified primary prevention efforts, including health education, vaccination and routine screening.
Speaking at the event, Governor Francis Nwifuru represented by the Deputy Governor, Patricia Obila commended the Federal Government for choosing the state for the flag-off and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to healthcare development.
She highlighted investments by the state government in modern medical equipment, oxygen plants, and welfare support for health workers, including provision of official vehicles to doctors to enhance emergency response and service delivery.
The Deputy Governor assured that local government authorities had been mobilized to create awareness and encourage residents to take advantage of the free screening exercise, emphasizing that early detection makes treatment easier, more cost-effective and life-saving.
She urged residents across the state and the Southeast region to participate.
The initiative is expected to boost cancer awareness, strengthen early diagnosis and improve access to treatment services in the region, in line with the Federal Government’s broader goal of achieving equitable and affordable healthcare for all Nigerians.
