By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Chapter of the National Cancer Society of Nigeria has carried out an advocacy visit to the Kano State Cancer Center, aimed at strengthening partnerships and improving access to quality cancer care in the state.
The visit brought together key stakeholders from the health sector, including officials from the Ministry of Health, the Women Cancer Awareness Foundation, and students on industrial attachment.
Among those present were the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the center, Chief Nursing Officer Mrs. Rhoda, Human Resource Officer Hajiya Nafisa Sabo, Chairman of the National Cancer Society Kano Chapter, Salisu Yusuf, alongside members Zainab Abubakar and Mubarak, Halisa Muhammad of the Women Cancer Awareness Foundation, and Dr. Bashir, Desk Officer from the Ministry of Health, among others.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Kano Chapter of the National Cancer Society stated that the engagement was designed to deepen collaboration, support improved access to cancer care, and build a sustainable relationship with the facility. He noted that the team also sought to better understand the center’s operations and identify challenges affecting service delivery.
In his remarks, the CMD provided an overview of the center’s activities, describing it as a comprehensive oncology facility offering services such as cancer screening, diagnosis, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. He emphasized that the center is equipped with modern facilities, including functional radiation therapy machines, and operates at full capacity, serving patients from across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
According to him, the center has earned recognition as one of Nigeria’s leading oncology institutions and is increasingly attracting medical tourism, while remaining open to strategic collaborations.
Despite these milestones, the CMD outlined several challenges facing the facility. These include the need for a reliable solar power system to sustain critical equipment, increased government funding, additional mammography machines, and improved infrastructure, particularly patient accommodation.
He also highlighted a shortage of specialized personnel, noting that efforts are underway to address this through a planned oncology nursing programme, supported by a Memorandum of Understanding with the Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria.
The CMD further stressed the importance of enhanced government support in the provision of cancer drugs and intensified community awareness initiatives.
As part of the visit, the delegation toured key departments of the facility under the guidance of Hajiya Nafisa Sabo and her team. The tour included the treatment planning (control) room, where patient data is reviewed and treatment processes are initiated, supported by secure digital systems to ensure accountability and efficiency.
The visit concluded on a positive note, with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to collaboration. Participants emphasized that sustained partnerships and increased government support remain critical to improving the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of cancer care services in Kano State.
