The Federal Government has officially launched the Nationwide Free Cancer Screening and Capacity Building Programme for the Southeast geopolitical zone at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AEFUTH) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. This marks the third zonal activation of the initiative, following successful rollouts in the South-West and North-Central regions.
Under this programme, 1,000 residents of the Southeast will receive free screening for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, with comprehensive treatment support provided for those diagnosed with the diseases.
Early Detection Critical to Reducing Preventable Deaths
Flagging off the exercise, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Daju Kachollom mni, reaffirmed that the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint, being implemented through the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
She emphasised that the programme aims to reduce preventable deaths and strengthen financial protection for Nigerian families.
“Early detection remains critical to reducing preventable deaths while protecting families from catastrophic health expenditure,” Kachollom stated.
Reinforcing Compact Obligations and Primary Care Strengthening
In a strategic meeting with the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and the Deputy Governor, the Permanent Secretary stressed that health reform requires coordinated responsibility across all tiers of government.
Referring to the Health Sector Compact signed by Ebonyi State, she underscored the importance of aligning state commitments with national reform priorities to optimise access to opportunities under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, coordinated through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) .
Kachollom highlighted the role of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in strengthening Primary Healthcare Centres and noted that the National Health Fellows Programme supports all Local Government Areas in driving accountability, data utilisation, and service delivery improvements.
She called on the state to further strengthen Primary and Secondary levels of care as the first two points of contact for patients, stressing that strong foundational systems are critical to sustainable tertiary excellence.
The Permanent Secretary also referenced the recent National Traditional and Religious Leaders Health Summit as part of the Federal Government’s strategy to engage states, communities, and grassroots leadership structures in driving reform implementation where it matters most.
Expanding Financial Protection Mechanisms
The Ministry further highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce the financial burden of care, including the planned Cancer Intervention Fund under the National Cancer Control Plan, to be coordinated through the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT),ans a Vulnerable Group Fund designed to cushion catastrophic health expenses
These mechanisms complement broader financing reforms aimed at protecting families from high out-of-pocket costs while strengthening system resilience across the country.
Ebonyi Governor Commends Federal Government’s Commitment
The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, commended the Federal Government for sustained investments and reforms in the health sector and requested continued collaboration to further strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
“We appreciate the Federal Government’s visible commitment to improving health infrastructure and access to care in Ebonyi. We will continue to align with national priorities and strengthen our systems to ensure our people fully benefit from these reforms,” the Governor stated.
Nationwide Rollout Continues Across Geopolitical Zones
With the Southeast rollout now underway, the 2026 Nationwide Free Cancer Screening and Capacity Building Programme continues across all geopolitical zones, advancing early detection while reinforcing accountability, financing reform, and coordinated health system strengthening nationwide.
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