World Cancer Day: Minister, others call for investment in women-focused research

Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women Affairs has called for increased investment in clinical research that prioritises the healthcare needs for women in the fight against cancer.

The German and Norwegian embassies also called for investment in women-focused cancer research.

They made the call at a walk tagged, “Cancer No Be King” held in commemoration of the 2026 World Cancer Day Awareness, organised by Equitable Medicaid and Clinical Research on Wednesday in Abuja.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by Mrs Adesuwa Okundaye, Director, Legal Services overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, noted World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics, which indicate that about 72,000 people in Nigeria die annually from cancer.

She said that the figure showed that the most common cancers include breast, cervical and prostate cancers, stressing the need to ensure equitable access to healthcare services for women.

“Let us work hand in hand to advocate for equitable healthcare access and invest in clinical research that prioritises the needs of women,”
she said.

The minister described the fight against cancer as a collective responsibility, urging individuals and organisations to participate through advocacy, education and direct support for healthcare initiatives.

She emphasised that collaboration and strong institutional support were key to addressing the unique challenges women faced in accessing cancer prevention, treatment and care services.

“By emphasising the importance of collaboration and institutional support, we can create a more equitable healthcare environment that empowers women and addresses the unique challenges they face in the fight against cancer.

“Together, we can make strides towards a healthier future for all women,” she said.

Annette Gunther, the German Ambassador to Nigeria, stressed the need to support health systems and ensure equitable access to good healthcare services.

Gunther said, “Cancer is preventable through early detection, through healthy lifestyles, and hopefully, maybe soon, research will bring a vaccination or something.

“Investment in research is important, investment in health systems is important.

“There is also the need a societal approach where everybody has this access without stigma or isolation, and where everybody gets support from the community, friends, family, government and institutions.”

Michelle Cecilia Hovi, Representative of the Norwegian Ambassador, said that addressing healthcare disparities through technology-driven solutions and advancing clinical research was making a difference for underserved and economically disadvantaged populations.

Dr Ruth Faasema, Committee Chairman of the Cancer Awareness Programme, Equitable Medicaid and Clinical Research, said that the 5.6-kilometre walk was to create awareness on cancer care and treatment.

Faasema stressed the need for screening, support and compassion, especially for people living with cancer and their caregivers.

“This walk represents our refusal to be silent. It represents early detection over late diagnosis. It represents prevention over fear.

“It represents unity through government, NGOs, diplomats, security agencies, health professionals and communities standing together as one to create awareness on cancer,” she said.