Jos, Nigeria – February 21, 2026 – In a significant boost to Nigeria’s fight against cancer, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare officially flagged off the 2026 Nationwide Free Cancer Screening and Capacity Building Programme at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Plateau State, serving the North Central geopolitical zone.
The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, led the launch and emphasized that the initiative underscores the government’s dedication to combating the rising cancer burden through proactive, accessible, and equitable healthcare measures.
“This is not just an event. It is a declaration that early detection, access to treatment, and dignity in care must not be privileges,” Kachollom stated. She highlighted that early detection dramatically improves survival rates, cuts down on catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for families, and safeguards national productivity by keeping citizens healthy and active.
Cancer remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with breast, cervical, and prostate cancers topping the list of common cases. Globally, cancer claims nearly 10 million lives annually, while in Nigeria, late-stage diagnoses—particularly for preventable cervical cancer—and lower survival rates for childhood cancers compared to high-income countries continue to drive high mortality. Breast cancer mortality in Nigeria exceeds global averages, and cervical cancer, though largely preventable through vaccination and screening, accounts for a substantial share of deaths.
The programme, running throughout February 2026 to align with World Cancer Day commemorations, targets asymptomatic individuals for free screening focused on the three most prevalent cancers. Those diagnosed during the exercise will receive appropriate treatment support and referrals. The screenings are fully funded by the Federal Government and involve capacity building for healthcare workers on treatment protocols, chemotherapy safety, pain management, and palliative care, with collaboration from partners including the American Cancer Society.
This effort is integrated into the broader health sector renewal agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which emphasizes strengthening primary healthcare, expanding insurance coverage, upgrading diagnostics, modernizing tertiary facilities, and boosting local pharmaceutical production. Key ongoing cancer reforms include:
Establishment of Multidisciplinary Tumour Teams in federal tertiary institutions
Enforcement of standardized national treatment guidelines
Adoption and rollout of harmonized NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines
Implementation of the National Chemotherapy Safety Policy
Expansion of palliative care services nationwide
The Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, praised the Ministry’s leadership and stressed the critical role of early intervention. “The essence of this screening is to detect cancers early so they can be treated effectively. Prevention is always better than cure,” he said.
The initiative has also received endorsement from the Cancer Society of Nigeria, which commended the sustained federal commitment to cancer control. Beneficiaries and community members in Plateau have expressed appreciation for the free access, noting it removes financial barriers for indigent residents seeking vital health checks.
The nationwide rollout continues, with the next phase scheduled for Ebonyi State in the South-East geopolitical zone. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reaffirms that effective cancer control goes beyond medical infrastructure—it encompasses awareness creation, geographic and financial accessibility, compassionate care, and robust protection against health-related financial hardship.
With the successful flag-off in Jos, the programme is actively advancing equitable early diagnosis and quality cancer care for all Nigerians. Residents in participating zones are encouraged to take advantage of these free services to prioritize their health.
