Yesterday in Abuja, as a Special Guest of Honour and Chairperson, First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC), I presented a goodwill message at the International Cancer Week, an annual high-level forum where stakeholders from across the cancer care ecosystem assess progress, share innovations, and discuss strategies for cancer control in Nigeria.

The event, themed "Redefining the Future of Cancer: Prevention, Access and Equity for All," provided an important platform to emphasize that cancer care in Nigeria must evolve beyond isolated interventions toward a truly equitable, inclusive, and sustainable model. Cancer knows no boundaries. It cuts across income levels, regions, genders, and generations. Our response must do the same.

I extend my sincere thanks to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment for the invitation. I also commend the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his commitment to transforming Nigeria's healthcare landscape through a renewed focus on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), expansion of the National Health Insurance Authority, and prioritization of cancer care in national health agendas.

I must also recognize the exceptional leadership of Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), for her generous donation to the Partnership for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCIN). These collective efforts are gradually closing the equity gap, thereby enabling more Nigerians to access the care they need, when they need it.

Together, we shall redefine cancer care in Nigeria and build a future of prevention, access, and equity for all.

#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.