Abuja, Nigeria – 8 May 2024 – Marking World Ovarian Cancer Day, today the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition have announced that they have signed a letter of agreement setting out a shared commitment to improving outcomes for women with ovarian and other gynecological cancers in Nigeria.
Rising incidence and mortality rates underscore the critical need for collaboration to addressing the challenges of the disease, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care.
Professor Usman Malami Aliyu, MBBS, MPH, FWACS remarked, “Through this agreement the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition and NICRAT are making a positive statement about the power of collaboration between patients, patient advocacy organizations, health care professionals, researchers, and policy makers. We believe that together we can harness our diverse expertise to accelerate solutions that will improve outcomes. This partnership exemplifies our shared commitment to making a significant impact in the lives of women in Nigeria.
According to the latest Globocan data, global ovarian cancer incidence is set to rise by 55% and mortality by almost 70%. With significant variations between countries, the Coalition will later this year release data from two key studies, an Ovarian Cancer Cost-of-Illness Study and the Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition. Both studies involve patient advocates and healthcare professionals based in Nigeria.
Clara MacKay, CEO of the Coalition explains the importance of these two key pieces of work for the country: “Featured in both studies, the data we will have for Nigeria will help us better understand challenges and opportunities. Our intention is that these Studies will help inform our global advocacy efforts but also be a powerful resource for organizations working at country level. We are delighted that Nigeria is the first country from these Studies to agree to a partnership of this kind.
Goals of this new partnership include:
- Strengthening the role of NICRAT in national ovarian cancer initiatives
- Fostering collaboration among stakeholders
- Improving funding for research and access to quality care across the country
Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a global health advocate, Chairperson of First Ladies Against Cancer of Nigeria, and World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Ambassador highlighted the significance of this partnership: “With incidence set to rise by 120% and a similar surge in mortality expected to occur in Nigeria by 2050, it is vital that we find ways to work together on the challenge of ovarian and other women’s cancers. The establishment of NICRAT was a such an important, groundbreaking moment for cancer-care in Nigeria. This new his partnership is a hugely positive development and I know will help us ensure that we leave No Woman Behind.”
About the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
The World Ovarian Cancer Coalition is a not-for-profit organization, formally established in 2016, working across the globe towards a world where everyone living with, or at risk of, ovarian cancer has the best chance of survival, and the best quality of life – wherever she may live. More information can be found on www.worldovariancancercoalition.org
Leveraging the momentum of their annual flagship World Ovarian Cancer Daycampaign, established in 2013, and insights from the groundbreaking Every Woman Study™ in 2018, the Coalition continues to spearhead initiatives for change. At the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS) annual meeting in 2020, it introduced the Global Ovarian Cancer Charter, emphasizing six Global Goals to enhance care and outcomes. Furthering its research, the Coalition, in collaboration with IGCS, is conducting the Every Woman Study™: Low- and Middle-Income Edition across 22 countries, focusing on previously underrepresented populations. This effort is complemented by an 11-country Ovarian Cancer Cost-of-Illness Study commissioned by the Coalition. The study will evaluate the economic impact of ovarian cancer, exploring direct and indirect costs of the disease across low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Results from these comprehensive studies are anticipated in 2024, promising to offer pivotal insights and foster targeted interventions to mitigate the disease’s burden.
About NICRAT
The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), established by the Federal Government under the NICRAT Establishment Act 2017, is tasked with leading and coordinating cancer research, treatment, and control across Nigeria. NICRAT’s mission is to eliminate cancer through the implementation of rigorous regulations and policies, supported by high-quality, evidence-based research and treatment strategies, executed by a team of highly competent professionals. As a visionary leader in the field, NICRAT aims to significantly impact cancer prevention, treatment, and control, not only within Nigeria but across Africa. Its strategic objectives include providing policy advisory services, regulating and enhancing access to cancer care, driving research and development, mobilizing resources, maintaining a cancer registry, promoting public education, and building capacity in cancer prevention and control.
Media Contacts:
Coalition:
Phaedra Charlton
Director of Communications and Marketing
World Ovarian Cancer Coalition
phaedra@worldovariancancercoalition.org
NICRAT:
Dr Musa Ali-Gombe
Director Clinical Services
National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT)
aligombem@nicrat.gov.ng