Pharm Nasir Jibo💊 @NasiruJibo - Twitter Profile

The Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare (@Fmohnigeria) is committed to its strategic objective of improving population health outcomes in Nigeria, with a special focus on enhancing access to high-quality oncology care. This is a crucial part of our comprehensive Health Sector Renewal Investment Program, which also targets reproductive, maternal, child, and adolescent health among others. With the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, etc, causing significant physical and financial burdens on Nigerians, the FMOH launched the Oncology Initiative in 2021. This initiative seeks to strengthen cancer care through targeted medical investments, including the establishment of nuclear medicine centers, upgrade of existing facilities, and the deployment of modern medical infrastructure in select tertiary hospitals. Despite initial implementation delays, there has been a Renewed Hope for this initiative under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT. Early in his administration, Mr President tasked us with accelerating collaborations with relevant ministries and agencies for its successful realization. A significant milestone was achieved this Friday with the signing of a Partnership Agreement with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (@nsia_nigeria). The agreement aims to provide project management and advisory services to ensure the seamless implementation of the Oncology Initiative. In support of this endeavor, President Tinubu has allocated N37.4 billion to the FMOH Oncology Initiative, demonstrating the government’s commitment to rapid and effective implementation. To ensure equitable access to oncology care across the nation, six teaching hospitals have been selected for the initiative, covering all geopolitical zones: https://t.co/Nbmeh64ngI of Benin Teaching Hospital (@ubthng) 2.Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (@abuthshika) 3.Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina (@Official_fthk) https://t.co/EiP2wFiHJ3 of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (@officialunth) 5.Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) 6.Lagos University Teaching Hospital (@LUTHofficial) These institutions will be equipped with advanced medical infrastructure, including linear accelerators, iridium brachytherapy machines, computed tomography (CT) simulators, positron emission tomography (PET) scanners, and cyclotrons. The goal is to ensure precise diagnosis and effective management of oncology cases, thereby alleviating the physical and financial strains faced by Nigerians. The milestone we’ve reached through the agreement is a testament to what is possible with the right governance and bold leadership, as exemplified by President Tinubu. And we’re quite confident that with a people-oriented approach, no challenge is too great to overcome in our journey. In the coming weeks, the agreement will be reviewed and endorsed by NSIA’s Governing Board. We will collaborate with the Standards Organization of Nigeria (@SONNigeria) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (@NNRA_Official) for effective monitoring and implementation. To ensure transparency, CSOs, media, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (@officialEFCC) will be critical in monitoring spending and preventing misappropriation of funds. Also, plans are in place to set up a central oversight committee comprising of specialists to oversee project implementation and fund flows, thereby ensuring proper use of resources. Our target is to complete the construction of the six oncology centers with the appropriate equipment, staffing, training programs, and regulatory frameworks within the next 18-24 months. We call upon the goodwill and collaboration of all Nigerians and agencies to ensure transparent operation and delivery of targeted value to our people. The interests of the Nigerian people must remain paramount as we strive to fulfill the goals of the Oncology Initiative for the betterment of our nation and in service to God and country.