Nigeria first Lady, Aisha Buhari has implored the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to do more to reduce the casualty figures of cancer in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Mrs Buhari made this charge when she received a delegation from the IAEA led by the Chairman, Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC), Prof. Yusuf Ahmed in Abuja.
She hailed the IAEA for launching the ‘Rays of Hope’ initiative.
The initiative was introduced to increase access to radiotherapy for cancer patients in low to middle-income countries that have the highest cancer rates and lowest rates in screening, diagnosis, therapy, and treatment highest cancer rates and lowest rates in screening, diagnosis, therapy, and treatment.
“I am particularly happy with the visit because of my involvement in cancer advocacy which exposed me to identify gaps in the sector.
“I, therefore, call on the IAEA to do more to reduce the casualty figures of cancer in Africa.
“Advocacy for cancer therapy is important because most patients who can afford proper cancer treatment usually travel abroad to get it, while the majority of patients, who are unable, remain with little or no management care,” she said.
The first lady expressed believes that ‘Rays of Hope’ will change the narrative on the cancer situation not only in Nigeria but Africa in general.
“My foundation, in collaboration with some development partners, had done a lot in the area of healthcare delivery through medical outreaches across Nigeria and I would like to leave a lasting legacy in that regard,” she added.
