Foundation Commits to Supporting Childhood Cancer Research in Nigeria

By Justina Auta

Akanimo Cancer Foundation, an NGO, has expressed its commitment to raising awareness, expanding access to treatment, and advancing research on childhood cancer in Nigeria.

Dr Idoreyin Usoh, Abuja Coordinator of the foundation, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
The statement came after a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako as part of  engagement to commemorate the 2025 International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD).

L-R: Dr. Uchechukwu Emmanuel Nwokwu ” Head Cancer Programs, FMH”, Abuja Coordinator, Akanimo Cancer Foundation (ACF), Dr. Idoreyin Usoh, Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, Founder /Executive Director ACF, Barr. Mrs Idara Ekanem, ACF admin, Ms Cordelia Nnabugwu and Special Adviser to the Minister of State for Health, Dr Ololade Kehinde

Usoh said that the foundation had provided life-saving treatment to over 20 children since  its  inception,  and was currently supporting 10 children across major hospitals.

She said that the initiative was driven by a personal experience of the founder, Mrs Idara Ekanem, who lost her son,  hence the quest to prevent other children from suffering the a similar fate.

“We are committed to continuing our work to raise awareness, provide treatment access, and support research for childhood cancer in Nigeria.

“We believe that every child deserves a chance to live a healthy and fulfilling life, and we will continue to fight for that chance,” she  said.

Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health, said ‘that the idea was the kind of grassroots initiative Nigeria needed.

According to Salako, the government remains committed to supporting all efforts aimed at increasing childhood cancer survival rates.

“The upcoming symposium is a commendable step in that direction,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a childhood cancer symposium will  hold on Feb. 15 in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health.

This is to foster multi-sectoral dialogue and innovation in tackling childhood cancer.

There will also be public awareness even to further sensitise the public on childhood cancer prevention and early detection. (NAN)