No fewer than 1,000 persons have benefited from a free cancer screening programme organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Cancer Society of Nigeria in Jos, Plateau State.
The programme, which marked the official flag-off for the North Central geopolitical zone, was held at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
Flagging off the exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom mni, said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s mandate to provide quality and accessible healthcare services to Nigerians.
Kachollom noted that cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths globally each year and remains a major contributor to non-communicable disease mortality in Nigeria. She emphasized that the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the healthcare system through the establishment of multidisciplinary tumour teams in federal tertiary institutions and the implementation of the National Chemotherapy Safety Policy.
According to her, the screening programme is part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems, expanding health insurance coverage, and improving access to diagnostics and treatment. She assured that individuals diagnosed through the screening would receive appropriate treatment support.
In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Health for bringing the impactful initiative to Plateau State. He stressed that prevention and early detection remain critical in the fight against cancer.
“The essence of this screening is to detect cancers early so they can be treated effectively. Prevention is always better than cure,” he said.
Dr. Pokop explained that the free screening focused on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, adding that the exercise was fully funded by the Federal Government. He urged members of the public to take advantage of such initiatives, noting that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
The Cancer Society of Nigeria also commended the Permanent Secretary for her dedication to cancer control and care. Representing the National President of the Society, Prof. Adamu Baduje praised Kachollom’s efforts in promoting oncology services in Plateau State and across the country.
He acknowledged the presence of key dignitaries, including medical directors of teaching hospitals, officials from the Federal Ministry of Health, and members of hospital management teams. The Plateau State Ministry of Health, represented by its Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Keln Hosea, appreciated the Federal Government for the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward reducing cancer risks and increasing public awareness.
As part of the event, the Cancer Society of Nigeria presented awards to individuals and organizations for their contributions to cancer control and treatment in Plateau State. Among the award recipients were Plateau State Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom mni; and the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda.
Others recognized included the Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, and the Sunny Teodyen Foundation.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the initiative. Mrs. Esther Jonathan Marawes, who underwent breast cancer screening, described the programme as life-saving.
“I don’t joke with my health. Early detection saves lives,” she said, urging women to take advantage of the free service.
A retiree, Mr. Ishaya Atsen, also commended the Federal Government for what he described as a “marvelous gesture,” thanking the organizers for making the programme accessible to ordinary citizens.
The three-day programme commenced with a cancer awareness road walk across major streets of Jos, aimed at sensitizing residents on the dangers of late detection and the importance of regular screening. Participants carried placards with messages promoting early diagnosis, healthy lifestyles, and routine medical checks as critical tools in the fight against cancer.
The awareness walk set the tone for the medical outreach, reinforcing the message that cancer is not a death sentence if detected early. Organizers noted that beyond screening, sustained public education remains essential in reducing stigma, encouraging preventive healthcare practices, and improving survival rates.
The screening programme is expected to benefit 1,000 persons in Plateau State and 1,000 persons across each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health has also commenced capacity building for healthcare workers on treatment protocols, chemotherapy safety, and pain management as part of sustained efforts to combat cancer nationwide.
The initiative underscores the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to improving cancer prevention, early detection, and access to quality oncology care across Nigeria.
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