The federal government has launched the Innovative Cancer Medicine Demonstration Study, a programme designed to expand access to advanced cancer immunotherapy for Nigerian patients.

The ICM launched at the National Hospital in Abuja on Tuesday is the first in Sub-Saharan Africa and would  provide free life-saving cancer treatment to eligible patients battling metastatic colorectal cancer.

The programme was a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Roche.

Over the next 18 months, 30 Nigerian patients will receive world-class immunotherapy treatment at no cost, including free diagnostics, follow-up care, and patient support.

Speaking at the launch, deputy health minister Iziaq Salako said the initiative demonstrates President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to transforming cancer care in Nigeria and reducing the burden of medical tourism.

“Today’s milestones, the enrolment of the first Nigerian patient, represent hope. Hope that patients in low- and middle-income countries no longer wait decades to benefit from life-saving innovations available elsewhere,” Mr Salako said.

He noted that colorectal cancer has emerged as one of the most aggressive and rapidly increasing cancers in Nigeria, claiming over 5,900 lives annually due to late presentation and lack of access to modern treatment.

“Nigeria records over 124,000 new cancer cases annually, according to the Global Cancer Observatory. Cancer treatment remains one of the biggest drivers of medical tourism, with thousands of Nigerians travelling to India, the UK, Germany, and the UAE for expensive care,” he said.

To address this challenge, he said the government announced plans to establish six Regional Cancer Centres, three of which have already been commissioned. The 2025 federal budget includes the highest-ever allocation to cancer infrastructure.

“Eligibility for the ICM programme is currently open to adult Nigerians diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer.

“All assessments and enrolment will take place at the National Hospital, Abuja, and the programme is open to patients nationwide,” he said.

Reaffirming government commitment, Salako said access to cancer treatment should not depend on one’s financial status.

“Cancer treatment should not be a privilege. Every Nigerian deserves access to innovation and survival,” he said.

Bello Abubakar, the principal investigator for the study, hailed the project as a turning point in Africa’s fight against cancer.

Mr Abubakar explained that the intervention, valued at about N7 billion, is fully funded by international partners committed to expanding cancer care access in developing countries. He clarified that the ICM study is not a clinical trial but a demonstration of feasibility, as the drug is already in approved clinical use globally.

Funke Fasawe, CHAI country director, said the launch showed that groundbreaking medical innovations are now possible within Nigeria’s health system.

Martin Murphy, co-founder of the Society for Translational Oncology and a partner in the initiative, described the launch as the dawn of a new era in cancer care on the continent.

Mr Murphy said Africa has long been excluded from access to modern treatment due to high costs and limited infrastructure, but Nigeria is now charting a new path.

(NAN)