Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian General Elections, has made a plea for more funding to be allocated to Nigeria’s health system in order to address the growing cancer epidemic.
In a heartfelt statement on World Cancer Day, Obi drew attention to a concerning data from the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, which showed that more than 120,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Nigeria each year, and that they result in a sizable number of fatalities. He called for healthcare facilities to be properly equipped, and for workers to be properly trained, so that they can diagnose and treat cancer early enough.
The former governor draws attention to the unfortunate trend of medical tourism among Nigerians, citing a study by the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT) indicating an annual expenditure of $1.5 billion to $2 billion on seeking medical solutions abroad. Obi asserts that redirecting such substantial funds towards domestic healthcare can substantially reduce cancer-related cases and save lives.
Consequently, Obi urged decision-makers to give the health sector a top priority since it is a vital component of national development. In order to lower the risk of acquiring cancer, he emphasized the significance of controlling the risk factors and adopting healthy lifestyle practices, such as eating a balanced diet and exercising frequently.
As Nigeria grapples with the increasing burden of cancer, Peter Obi’s plea resonates as a clarion call for decisive action, urging the nation to work collectively towards a cancer-free society by prioritizing healthcare and fostering national growth.
