Dr. Kehinde Osinowo, Chief Executive Officer of the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH), joined national and global stakeholders to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026 at Zuma Hall, Rock Views, Loyal Hotel, Abuja, reaffirming collective commitment to strengthening cancer prevention, care, and control in Nigeria.
The high-level event, convened by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, brought together key leaders across Nigeria’s cancer ecosystem. In attendance were Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare; Prof. Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General of NICRAT; Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the Nigeria Cancer Society; Dr. Uchechukwu Nwokwu, National Coordinator, National Cancer Control Programme; Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, President of the Nigerian Medical Association; Prof. Muhammad Raji Mahmud, Chief Medical Director, National Hospital Abuja; and Her Excellency, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodinma, Chairperson, First Ladies Against Cancer Initiative. Representatives of WHO, development partners, civil society organizations, researchers, and the media were also present.
Marked under the global theme #UnitedByUnique, discussions emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, sustainable financing, expanded screening and diagnostic services, health worker capacity building, palliative care, reduced treatment costs, and people-centered oncology policies to improve outcomes for patients, survivors, and caregivers.
Over the years, ARFH has contributed to cervical cancer prevention and control through integrated, community-centered approaches. These include community outreach and awareness creation, school-based and adolescent-focused programmes, and capacity building of frontline healthcare workers to deliver quality prevention and screening services. ARFH has supported screening for cervical precancerous lesions using Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA), strengthened referral pathways for indigent clients, and facilitated linkages to appropriate care.
ARFH has also supported HPV vaccine awareness and demand generation through engagement with government institutions, community and religious leaders, women leaders, adolescents, and caregivers in selected states. These efforts are complemented by ongoing advocacy, policy dialogue, and stakeholder coordination aimed at integrating cervical cancer prevention within broader sexual and reproductive health and primary health care systems.
Key national milestones highlighted at the event included the launch of the National Nuclear Medicine Policy and Strategic Plan, the Nigeria National Cancer Control Plan 2026-2030, expansion of cancer screening infrastructure across regions, the declaration of eight functional oncology centres, and plans to procure additional radiotherapy machines.
ARFH remains committed to supporting nationally led, community-centered, and sustainable cancer prevention and control efforts in Nigeria, particularly for women and girls in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
Also present from ARFH was Samson Tolulope Odukogbe, Senior Knowledge and Communications Officer.
