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A former First Lady of Kebbi State and President-Elect of the Union of International Cancer Control, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, has attributed the rise in cancer death in the African region to the shortage of experts needed to attend to cancer cases.
This is just as she announced the launch of a telemedicine platform to address the shortage of experts and access to care in cancer treatment in a statement made available to The PUNCH on Thursday.
According to the statement, the lack of facilities that could enable early cancer detection has also contributed to the growing number of deaths.
It added that through the new telemedicine initiative, cancer patients in remote villages could consult with oncologists across the world, receive expert opinions, and get a treatment plan without the stress.
The statement read, “Every year, thousands of Africans die from cancers that could have been treated if caught early. But many patients never get the chance, either because specialists are too far away or treatment is too expensive.
“For far too long, cancer has been a death sentence for many Africans simply because they lack access to specialised care. This partnership is a major step in our fight to change that reality.
“By leveraging telemedicine and global expertise, we are breaking barriers and ensuring that patients, no matter where they live, can receive timely diagnoses, expert consultations, and the best possible treatment. No one should have to travel abroad or go bankrupt to fight cancer. This is about bringing the best of the world to our people, right where they are.”
Reacting to the partnership, the Chief Medical Officer of WorldCare, Hassan Sharif, stressed the important role of strategic healthcare investment in cancer management.
“Managing cancer patients presents a significant challenge for healthcare strategists. As a chronic disease with similar prevalence rates across different countries, it requires a substantial portion of the healthcare budget. Improving cancer care will lead to both cost savings and increased population satisfaction,” Sharif said.
Also, the President and COO of WorldCare, Ed Wiggers, stressed that the organisation was committed to enhancing innovation in cancer care.
“WorldCare is proud to partner in Nigeria with a cancer program that will combine the latest advancements in Pharmacogenomics (PGx) and mental health support.
“For over 30 years, WorldCare has led in advanced virtual approaches to complex conditions like cancer. This collaboration highlights our dedication to improving cancer management and holistic care, addressing both physical and mental health,” Wiggers stressed.
The statement urged governments, healthcare stakeholders, and donors to invest in innovative solutions that would shape the landscape of cancer care in Africa.
