Nigeria Makes History With The Launch Of Groundbreaking Cancer Immunotherapy Study
In an effort set to redefine cancer care across Africa, the Federal Government of Nigeria has launched the Innovative Cancer Medicine (ICM) Demonstration Project, the first structured immunotherapy feasibility study ever conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative, flagged off at the National Hospital, Abuja, brings hope to thousands of Nigerians battling cancer, as the country enrolled its first 30 patients to receive cutting-edge immunotherapy treatment free of charge.
The project, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy (PICI), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), Roche, and other partners, aims to demonstrate Nigeria’s capacity to deliver advanced cancer treatment safely and effectively.
Representing the Federal Government, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the launch as “a historic moment in Nigeria’s health sector.”
He emphasised that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to revolutionise cancer prevention, control, and treatment.
“Today’s milestone symbolises hope, hope that African patients will no longer have to wait decades to access the same lifesaving innovations available in wealthier nations,” Dr Salako said, noting that the 2025 budget contains Nigeria’s highest-ever allocation to cancer care.
Principal Investigator, Professor Bello Abubakar of the National Hospital Abuja, revealed that each dose of the immunotherapy drug, Nivolumab, costs about ₦9.5 million per cycle but would be provided entirely free through international sponsorship worth over ₦7 billion.
He clarified that the study is not a clinical trial, but a demonstration of Nigeria’s readiness to deliver world-class cancer care.
“This is a proud moment for Africa. We are not testing efficacy, we are showing the world that we can deliver these treatments safely and effectively right here in Nigeria,” he said.
CHAI Country Director, Dr Funke Fasawe, hailed the initiative as a model of global cooperation, stressing that success could lead to price reductions and wider access for African patients.
Global partners and health advocates at the event described the development as “the dawn of a new era in African medicine,” applauding Nigeria’s leadership in bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home.
Enrollment for eligible patients with metastatic colorectal cancer is ongoing and open nationwide.
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