Vice President Kashim Shettima recently revealed that Nigeria is responsible for approximately 10.5 percent of the total cancer diagnoses and fatalities across Africa. Speaking at the Second African Primary Health Care Forum in Abuja, he outlined the government’s objective to lower the nation’s cancer prevalence by 30 percent before 2030.
Representing the Vice President, Dr. Uju Rochas-Anwukah pointed to Global Cancer Observatory data indicating that Africa saw over 1.18 million new cases and 721,000 deaths in 2024. To combat these trends, the administration has launched the Nigerian National Cancer Control Plan 2026–2030, which prioritizes early detection, improved diagnosis, and palliative care.
Furthermore, the government is focusing on cervical cancer prevention through HPV vaccinations and enhanced screening initiatives. Beyond oncology, the administration is prioritizing sickle cell care and creating a National Brain Health Agenda. Shettima also emphasized the necessity of using local data to build artificial intelligence models, arguing that tools developed for other populations may fail to accurately assess African patients.
Ultimately, the Vice President urged regional cooperation and increased investment in primary healthcare and technology to effectively manage the rising impact of non-communicable diseases across the continent.
