Earlier today in Abuja, I had the pleasure of receiving a courtesy visit from representatives of the American Cancer Society (ACS), the Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria, and the City Cancer Challenge team. The visit was to introduce the ACS SPARK Initiative; a global effort running from 2025 to 2030, with support from the MSD Foundation, aimed at improving cancer patient care in Nigeria by helping patients better navigate the cancer treatment system.

The delegation included: Kristie McComb - Managing Director, ACS Global Patient Support. Erica Kristel - Program Manager, Global Patient Support, ACS. Jenna de St. Jorre - Project Manager, ACS. Rafiu Akanbi – Nigeria Representative, ACS. Dr. Uche Nwokwu - National Coordinator, Cancer Control & Nuclear Medicine, Federal Ministry of Health. Chris Chukwunyere - City Manager, Abuja, City Cancer Challenge.

They kindly congratulated me on my recent appointment as Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) and expressed their desire to collaborate with FLAC on the SPARK initiative.

In my remarks, I warmly welcomed the team and shared the impactful work FLAC is doing to improve access to cancer care across States; driven by the leadership and commitment of our First Ladies. We discussed how initiatives like SPARK can make a meaningful difference in helping patients navigate the often complex cancer care continuum.

I appreciate the ACS, Federal Ministry of Health, and City Cancer Challenge for their commitment to advancing cancer care in Nigeria, and I look forward to deepening our collaboration in the months ahead. Together, we can make the cancer journey less burdensome and more hopeful for every Nigerian patient.

#FLAC #CancerCare #SPARKInitiative #ACS #CityCancerChallenge #PatientSupport #HealthForAll #WomenInLeadership #GlobalHealth #CancerControl

#ChiomaUzodimma

H.E. Chief Barr. (Dr.) Chioma Uzodimma FIMC, CMC
First Lady of Imo State, Founder of GoodHope Women Flourish Initiative,
and Secretary of Renewed Hope Initiative.