Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President of Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), shared on LinkedIn:
“As part of our Walk Away Cancer 12.0 activities, Medicaid Cancer Foundation donated ₦20 million (approximately US$14,858) to patients at the Federal Medical Centre Abuja FMC Abuja and the National Hospital, Abuja.
The fight against cancer must always start with the people living with the disease. Thus, ahead of the walk, we did just that.
There is a strong financial dimension to cancer care that we cannot ignore. In Nigeria, out-of-pocket payments account for approximately 72% of total health expenditure, according to 2023 The World Bank Group data. Although health insurance coverage has expanded, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Nigeria reported that only 17% of the population was covered as of October 2024. This leaves many families exposed to the high cost of healthcare. This story is similar across most LMICs. Such donations directly to patients is something my colleagues in High income countries are not familiar with. Cancer funding in their countries goes largely to research, infrastructure and health system building.
For our cancer patients, financial toxicity is acute. Treatment involves consultations, diagnostic tests, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medication, transportation and repeated hospital visits. When adequate insurance coverage is unavailable, families often have to pay for these expenses themselves.
A 2026 Nigerian study on colorectal cancer care found that over 95% of the patients studied experienced catastrophic health expenditure. This is what financial toxicity means. The distress that comes with a cancer diagnosis. It can force families and communities to exhaust their savings, borrow money, sell assets and bankruptcy.
The donated fund is paid directly to the patients account in the hospital. In addition, we provided direct cash gifts and comfort items to the patients and nurses. We recognise that financial support, whether towards hospital services or the immediate needs of patients, can make a meaningful difference during a difficult period.
The visit was livened up by celebrities like Priscilla Ajoke Ojo, who lent her Gen Z voice to the campaign, influencer Mansurah Isah, and Farooq Oreagba (Mr Steeze), a 12-year cancer survivor who is still receiving treatment. His presence and willingness to share his experience gave other patients an opportunity to hear a story of hope from someone who understands their journey.
I am grateful to everyone who joined us, donated and made these visits possible.
I believe that cancer care must go beyond diagnosis and treatment. We must also address the financial barriers that prevent people from accessing and continuing care.
This is what Walk Away Cancer means to me: not just raising awareness, but to show up for the people at the heart of the fight.”
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