The Nigerian government's Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, recently initiated a free cancer screening program in Ebonyi State, starting with the first 1,000 people at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki. This initiative is part of a nationwide effort to raise awareness about cancer, in observance of World Cancer Day 2026, and to combat the high mortality rate associated with the disease, which claims nearly 10,000 lives each year in Nigeria.

During the launch, the Minister's representative emphasized the urgency of early detection in combating cancer, noting that timely screenings not only save lives but can also alleviate financial burdens for families and enhance overall productivity within the nation. Furthermore, the Minister outlined plans for providing treatment to patients found to have cancer during the screenings, showcasing the government's commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for its citizens.

In addition to the screening initiative, the government is actively working to strengthen healthcare services across Nigeria. This includes expanding the health insurance program and improving access to medical diagnoses, as well as enhancing local pharmaceutical production and modernizing tertiary healthcare institutions. These steps reflect a broader strategy to bolster Nigeria's health sector and provide better care for its population.