In a bid to create more awareness on cancer, Roche Nigeria a global Swiss leading pharmaceutical company, and the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) a coalition of past and present First Ladies across Nigeria actively working together to harmonise existing efforts towards improving Cancer Care in their respective States announce their partnership, which has been in existence for about 4 years, to achieve cancer prioritization in Nigeria.
This partnership solidifies previous collaborations and seeks to have a long-term relationship in improving outcomes, together with reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with non-communicable diseases (NDC), specifically breast and cervical cancer. Additionally, the partnership seeks to integrate multiple priority areas of action to reduce mortality rates with the above cancers through advocacy campaigns, programs focused on public education, screening, health care system strengthening, funding, and reimbursement models.
“Private-private partnerships are just as crucial as public-private partnerships in combating cancer. The main objectives for FLAC are advocacy to increase awareness, access to cancer care, and influence policy direction in Nigeria with the collective aim of reducing the cancer burden in the country. Stakeholder integration with the right partner such as Roche is critical to meeting those goals” said Amina Abubakar Bello, FLAC Chairperson, with regards to the partnership.
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The need to raise awareness and education regarding cancer has never been more pertinent. According to Globocan, there are about 28,380 and 12,075 new cases of breast and cervical cancer respectively in Nigeria annually. Breast and cervical cancers, which predominantly affect women, constitute approximately 55 percent of new female cases in the country.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ladi Hameed, general manager of Roche Nigeria said: “the day that many Nigerians learn they have cancer, marks the beginning of one of the most grueling, complex, and uncertain journeys of their lives. The theme for World Cancer Day 2021 is I Am And I Will – reminding us of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action. By partnering with FLAC, we are one step closer to achieving what we all hope for: a healthier, brighter Nigeria without cancer”.
The fight against cancer does not end on World Cancer Day. By joining forces, Roche and FLAC are committed to taking actions that will make lasting and positive changes on every one of us, within our communities and cities by spreading awareness against cancer and promoting screening to make early detection possible.
