The Federal Government has launched a nationwide cancer awareness and free screening programme in Ebonyi State, targeting 1,000 individuals from five states in the South-East and neighboring states. This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the country’s cancer burden and promote early detection and treatment.

The programme, which was flagged off at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (AEFUTHA), aims to provide free screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, the most prevalent types in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving cancer care and reducing mortality rates.

According to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the programme is expected to screen 6,000 asymptomatic Nigerians across the six geopolitical zones throughout February. The initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s prevention-focused health strategy and aims to integrate basic cancer screening services into primary healthcare centres by May 2027.