Medicaid Cancer Foundation Disburses ₦100m to Support 60 Cancer Patients Nationwide

The Medicaid Cancer Foundation has disbursed ₦100 million to 60 cancer patients across Nigeria to assist with treatment costs under its Access to Care initiative. The announcement was made during an event at the foundation’s headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement issued on Tuesday.

Founder of the foundation, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu—who also serves as a board member of the Union for International Cancer Control—said the initiative seeks to bridge the gaps in early detection and access to affordable cancer treatment, especially for those in rural areas. She explained that the ₦100 million was raised through the foundation’s 11th WalkAway Cancer campaign and would be used to fund surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and psychosocial care for beneficiaries.

Dr. Bagudu commended the Federal Government for establishing six new cancer centres and creating the Cancer Health Fund, but she stressed that more investment was still needed. “A woman diagnosed with stage two breast cancer in Nigeria requires about ₦25 million for treatment. So while ₦100 million seems significant, it only covers a few full cases. We need stronger health insurance coverage, more prevention efforts, and early diagnosis,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, lauded the foundation’s efforts, describing the initiative as a symbol of hope and a model of effective private-sector partnership in healthcare. He revealed that the Federal Government had increased the national health budget from 3% in 2023 to 5.2% in 2025 to improve healthcare delivery, including cancer care.

Also present, the Director of Standards and Quality Assurance at the National Health Insurance Authority, Dr. Yakubu Agada-Amade, highlighted that collaborations with groups like Medicaid had enhanced the management of high-cost diseases. “Through partnerships, we’ve treated over 240 cancer patients and are now detecting more early-stage cases, which is promising,” he said.

The Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Prof. Usman Malami, added that the Federal Government had allocated ₦200 million for cancer funding in 2025 and acknowledged the vital role of civil society organisations in expanding patient support.

Cancer survivors at the event shared inspiring testimonies of resilience and advocacy. Mrs. Gloria Chinio Oku, a breast cancer survivor, said her experience transformed her into a passionate advocate for others battling the disease. Another survivor, Mr. Omonade Jacob Ochuco, who was treated for male breast cancer, urged increased awareness that men can also be affected and called for greater government and donor support.

Dr. Shinkafi-Bagudu reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to fighting cancer through awareness, screening, and treatment access until “no Nigerian dies needlessly from a preventable or treatable cancer.” The event also featured a survivors’ panel, a fireside chat with breast cancer patients, and the launch of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation Circle, held in conjunction with activities marking the November 17 Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action.

Founded in 2009, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation has become a leading non-governmental organisation championing cancer prevention, early screening, and patient support across Nigeria. Cancer remains a major public health concern in the country, with an estimated 120,000 new cases and 78,000 deaths recorded annually, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.