The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to health education and prevention, with a strong emphasis on cancer prevention and maternal health in the 2025 budget.
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, disclosed this during a meeting on Thursday in Abuja with a delegation from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), led by executive vice-president for infectious diseases, Dr. David Ripin.
Salako highlighted the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, hypertension, and diabetes, stressing that early detection and prevention would be a major focus of next year’s health budget.
“This year, we are directing significant funding toward cancer prevention at both primary and secondary levels, including screening and public health interventions,” he stated.
The minister also announced the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, aimed at reducing high maternal deaths, particularly in high-risk local government areas.
He emphasised that the introduction of low-cost technologies, such as ultrasound scans in maternal care, would encourage more women to seek antenatal services, ultimately lowering mortality rates.
Salako commended CHAI for its ongoing partnership, noting that collaborations with key stakeholders will improve healthcare outcomes for Nigerians.
CHAI’s country director, Dr. Olufunke Fasawe outlined the organisation’s impact on healthcare access in Nigeria.
She revealed that CHAI has supported over 20 cancer treatment centers nationwide, worked with the Federal Ministry of Health to cut chemotherapy costs by 50 per cent, improving affordability; Expanded HPV screening for cervical cancer, with over 57,000 women screened and reduced the price of HPV test kits from $20 to $7, making screening more accessible.
Fasawe reaffirmed CHAI’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through continued collaboration.
