The federal government has flagged off the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) Fund for Cancer Patients Initiative, committing an initial N50 million to support vulnerable cancer patients facing transportation, accommodation, feeding and other non-medical barriers to accessing and completing treatment.
Speaking at the official flag-off of the initiative in Abuja, on Wednesday, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, described the fund as a practical intervention designed to address the social and economic challenges that often prevent cancer patients from initiating, continuing or completing treatment.
The minister disclosed that more than 600 cancer patients have already applied for support under the initiative, with over 200 verified beneficiaries forming the first batch to receive at least N100,000 each through direct disbursement.
He noted that the intervention complements existing programmes, including the Cancer Health Fund, Cancer Access Partnership, Vulnerable Group Fund and NCS Cancer Intervention Fund, by specifically addressing non-medical barriers that affect treatment access and outcomes.
Mr Salako explained that the initiative emerged from a key recommendation of the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group and reflects the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s commitment to addressing the broader social determinants that influence health outcomes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to expanding access to quality and affordable cancer care through strengthened prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship interventions.
He further reiterated the federal government’s goal of reducing Nigeria’s cancer burden by 50 per cent by 2030 under the National Cancer Control Plan 2026-2030, noting that improving treatment outcomes requires addressing both medical and non-medical barriers to care.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom, described the initiative as evidence of the government’s determination to move beyond policy commitments to practical interventions that directly impact the lives of patients and their families.
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She commended the National Cancer Control Plan Technical Working Group for its leadership in developing the initiative and establishing a transparent verification process to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.
She called on corporate organisations, philanthropists, development partners, professional associations and other stakeholders to support the fund and contribute to its long-term sustainability and expansion.
She emphasised that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s mandate “to save lives, reduce both physical and financial pain, and produce health for all Nigerians,” noting that no patient should be denied the opportunity to access care because of circumstances beyond their control.
The Social Determinants of Health Fund for Cancer Patients Initiative provides targeted support to vulnerable cancer patients while creating a platform for mobilising additional resources from government, the private sector, development partners and individuals to strengthen social protection within Nigeria’s cancer control response.
