Abuja: The Federal Government has called for increased African-led research, stronger partnerships, and sustainable financing to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatobiliary cancers. The appeal was made by Dr. Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, during the fifth Africa Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Consortium (AHPBCC) Conference held in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Salako, represented by Prof. Ali Gombe, Director of Clinical Services at the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), emphasized the need for research that reflects African populations, disease patterns, and health system realities. He advocated for greater investment in research covering epidemiology, risk factors, genetics, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, supported by cancer registries, clinical trials, and collaborative research networks.
The minister highlighted the importance of translating research into affordable, accessible, and sustainable interventions for African populations. He described AHPBCC as a valuable platform for multidisciplinary collaboration and noted Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen cancer prevention and early detection, as well as expand diagnostic and treatment capacity under the National Strategic Cancer Control Plan.
Prof. Abdulfatai Olokoba, President of the Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Nigeria (SOGHIN), underscored the significance of partnerships among organizations working in cancer and digestive disease fields. He noted the challenges posed by hepatobiliary cancers in Africa, including late presentations, limited resources, capacity gaps, and inadequate awareness.
Prof. Lewis Roberts, President of the African Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases (AILDD), emphasized the need for prevention and early detection, as early-diagnosed cancers are generally more treatable and less costly to manage. He called for research into tumour biology to enable targeted treatments tailored to individual cancers, while acknowledging the cost barriers to advanced treatments.
Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, highlighted the consortium’s role in addressing cancers of the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract. He stressed the preventability of liver cancer and the importance of routine hepatitis B vaccination. Omonisi also noted the ongoing discussions to establish a liver transplant programme in Nigeria.
The conference, attended by over 300 delegates from more than 30 countries, focused on prevention, treatment, research, and survivorship for cancers affecting the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract, with participation from experts across Africa, the United States, Europe, Asia, and other regions.