The FCT Administration has demanded urgent action from relevant stakeholders, including development partners on bridging the gaps accessing proper care by cancer patients.
Dr Dolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the presentation of a comprehensive cancer care needs assessment conducted by the City Cancer Challenge (C/Can)
Dr Fasawe, who is also the chairperson of the City Executive Committee of C/Can, noted that talks, seminars, meetings had been held on the challenges militating against cancer care not only in Abuja but across the country and urged C/Can and other stakeholders to start immediate action on how to bridge most of the identified gaps in providing cancer care.
According to her, during the cancer care needs assessment conducted in the nation’s capital, certain gaps such as inadequate awareness campaigns, lack of knowledge and late tests on the part of the patients, absence of up-to-date demographic data, brain drain, as well as inadequate treatment facilities were identified.
She said, ‘’Over the past months, we have seen an impressive demonstration of collaboration, dedication, and technical expertise. Through the combined efforts of health institutions, healthcare professionals, civil society organisations and patients, we have gathered critical data that provides us with a 360-degree view of the current state of cancer care in Abuja.
“I must particularly commend the work of City Cancer Challenge, and all stakeholders whose efforts ensured that this assessment was not just a checkbox exercise, but a truly inclusive, evidence-based process that reflects the realities and aspirations of our city.
”Your participation in the needs assessment is going to contribute to the meaningful change we will experience in the Abuja cancer care space.
“The Needs Assessment has identified both the strengths and the critical gaps within our cancer care system. I believe the insights crystallized will serve as the foundation for action, ensuring that our next steps are strategic, targeted and grounded in local realities,’’ she said.
Earlier, City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) said Abuja had laid the foundation for transformative cancer care with the completion of the comprehensive needs assessment.
During the city-wide assessment, C/Can said it engaged local stakeholders across the cancer care continuum to collect and analyse data specific to Abuja.
‘’Thirteen health institutions, 66 health care professionals, 16 civil society organisations and 542 patients participated in the needs assessment.
‘’The aim was to ensure strong local participation and ownership in identifying the city’s core capacities, major gaps and priority actions needed to strengthen cancer care delivery,’’ C/Can said on the assessment.
