Abuja: Experts in pathology and cancer care have called for increased investment in pathology services to strengthen cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria and West Africa. They also advocated the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital technologies to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the experts made the call at the 16th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the West African Division of the International Academy of Pathology (WADIAP) on Tuesday in Lagos. The conference, tagged EKOPATH ’26, has the theme: ‘Future-Proofing Pathology in West Africa: Integrating Quality, Innovation, and Regional Synergy’. They stressed that accurate pathology was central to effective patient management.
Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General, Nigeria Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described pathologists as the gateway to cancer treatment, noting that no cancer therapy could be appropriately administered without an accurate diagnosis. Aliyu explained that pathologists examine tissue and other specimens taken from patients, conduct laboratory tests, and study cellular changes to determine whether a disease was cancerous and, where applicable, identify its characteristics.
He emphasized that any error in diagnosis can result in inappropriate treatment, worsening of the patient’s condition, and potential increase in mortality. He said that NICRAT, established by the Federal Government to provide leadership in cancer prevention, treatment, research, and control, had strengthened pathology services through capacity-building programmes and upgrading pathology laboratories with modern equipment. Aliyu said that the interventions were aimed at equipping pathologists, physicians, and laboratory personnel with the knowledge and tools required to deliver cancer diagnostic services that met international standards.
Prof. Francis Faduyile, an Anatomic and Forensic Pathologist, expressed optimism that greater interaction among pathologists across West Africa would strengthen regional collaboration and improve healthcare delivery. However, he raised concerns over the shortage of pathologists in Nigeria, estimating that only about 150 specialists were available to serve a population of more than 200 million people. Faduyile, the Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District, identified poor remuneration, economic pressures, and other unfavourable working conditions as major factors driving health professionals out of Nigeria.
The Keynote Speaker, Prof. Adekunbiola Banjo, emphasised that pathology remained indispensable to patient management, particularly in cancer care. Banjo urged Nigerians to ensure that any tissue removed during a medical procedure was submitted for pathological examination to determine whether it contained cancer or another disease condition. She also called for improved working conditions and incentives to encourage healthcare professionals to remain in Nigeria, noting that specialists were few and largely concentrated in urban centres.
Prof. Edwin Wiredu, Professor of Pathology, University of Ghana Medical School, said that the conference was designed to position pathology for a rapidly changing world. Prof. Fatimah AbdulKareem, President of WADIAP, said that the conference’s theme was timely as pathology underwent rapid transformation through molecular diagnostics, digital pathology, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. Dr Martins Momoh, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the conference, highlighted the importance of regional synergy and collaboration to drive standard setting, research, and resource sharing across West Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference has participants across West Africa participating in the three-day event, which began on Aug. 24 and will end on Aug. 26.