The Federal Government says it is intensifying efforts to prevent liver cancer by strengthening the prevention and control of hepatitis B and C. Minister of State for Health, Adekunle Salako, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the fifth Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Consortium Conference.
Salako said the government is expanding vaccination, screening, diagnosis and treatment, while integrating cancer screening into primary healthcare and improving referrals to specialist centres. He identified late presentation, limited diagnostic services, shortage of skilled personnel and high treatment costs as major challenges affecting cancer care in Nigeria.
The minister also called for stronger partnerships, sustainable financing and increased investment in African-led research, cancer registries and clinical trials. Cancer experts, meanwhile, are urging Nigeria to develop liver transplant capacity to improve treatment for patients with advanced liver disease and reduce the need to seek care abroad.
