President Bola Tinubu has officially inaugurated a state-of-the-art cancer center at the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) in Uburu, Ebonyi State.
Represented by the Minister of Works and former Ebonyi Governor, Chief David Umahi, the President praised the facility as one of Nigeria’s top cancer treatment centers. To support its operations, he announced a 2,000-kilowatt power donation to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply.
During the event, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare sector and reducing medical tourism. He emphasized that consistent power supply and infrastructural expansion would further enhance the university’s capacity to provide cutting-edge medical training and patient care.
“A healthcare institution cannot function effectively without a stable power supply. We will work towards expanding the university’s infrastructure to accommodate its growing needs,” Tinubu stated.
In his welcome address, Prof. Jesse Uneke, Vice-Chancellor of DUFUHS, expressed gratitude to the federal government for prioritizing the institution’s development. He highlighted the cancer center’s role in research, training, and comprehensive patient care, emphasizing its multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to advancing cancer treatment in Nigeria.
“This facility serves as a center of excellence for cancer diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also focuses on supporting families affected by cancer,” Uneke noted.
Alarming Cancer Statistics in Nigeria
Citing data from the World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 report, Uneke revealed that Nigeria recorded 127,763 new cancer cases, with 62.4% affecting women and 37.6% impacting men. Additionally, cancer-related fatalities reached 79,542, with women accounting for 58.6% of deaths.
The most prevalent cancers among Nigerian men include prostate, colorectal, and liver cancer, while breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer remain the leading causes of death among women.
Impact and Future Plans
The DUFUHS cancer center has already treated 207 patients, with 119 being female and 88 male. The majority of cases involve breast cancer, cervical cancer, and head and neck cancers, primarily affecting individuals aged 40 to 69 years.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to cancer research, patient care, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the country’s cancer burden.
With the launch of this cutting-edge facility, Nigeria takes a significant step toward improving cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, aligning with global healthcare standards.
