Medicaid Cancer Foundation Disburses ₦100m to 60 Cancer Patients Across Nigeria

The Medicaid Cancer Foundation has disbursed ₦100 million to 60 cancer patients across Nigeria to support their treatment under its Access to Care initiative. The disbursement was announced during an event at the foundation’s headquarters in Abuja.

About the Initiative

The initiative aims to address gaps in early detection and access to affordable treatment, particularly in rural areas. Funds were raised through the foundation’s 11th annual WalkAway Cancer campaign and will cover surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and psychosocial support for beneficiaries.

Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, the foundation’s founder and a board member of the Union for International Cancer Control, emphasized the need for greater investment in prevention, early diagnosis, and health insurance coverage. She noted that treating stage two breast cancer in Nigeria can cost approximately ₦25 million, making the ₦100 million disbursement insufficient to cover all needs.

Government and Stakeholder Support

The Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, highlighted the importance of private sector partnerships in healthcare delivery, noting that the Tinubu administration increased the national health budget from 3% in 2023 to 5.2% in 2025 to prioritize cancer care. He commended the foundation’s humanitarian efforts and encouraged other organizations to adopt similar models.

Dr. Yakubu Agada-Amade, Director of Standards and Quality Assurance at the National Health Insurance Authority, reported that collaborations with groups like Medicaid have improved the management of high-cost diseases, with over 240 cancer patients treated through insurance partnerships.

Prof. Usman Malami, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, announced that the Federal Government had earmarked ₦200 million for cancer funding in 2025, acknowledging the role of civil society in expanding patient reach.

Survivor Testimonies

• Mrs. Gloria Chinio Oku, a breast cancer survivor, shared her journey, stating, “Cancer has taken a lot from me—money, relationships, even confidence. But it has also made me an advocate.”
• Mr. Omonade Jacob Ochuco, a 49-year-old male breast cancer survivor, called for increased support and reduced stigma, noting he had spent over ₦17 million on treatment. He leads the advocacy project It All Starts with a Lump to raise awareness among men.

Event Highlights

The event included a survivors’ panel, a fireside chat with breast cancer patients, and the launch of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation Circle, coinciding with the November 17 Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action.

About the Foundation

Founded around 2009 by Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation is a prominent non-governmental organization supporting cancer prevention, screening, and patient-support services across Nigeria. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Nigeria, with an estimated 120,000 new cases and over 78,000 deaths annually, according to the Global Cancer Observatory.