NNPC report First Lady urges IAEA to change cancer narrative in Nigeria, Africa

Aisha Buhari, the First Lady of Nigeria, has encouraged the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to alter the narrative on cancer in Nigeria and Africa.

Mr Aliyu Abdullahi, Buhari’s Special Assistant on Media, made the announcement in a statement.

Buhari made the statement while receiving a group from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Abuja, headed by Prof. Yusuf Ahmed, Chairman of the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC).

She praised the International Atomic Energy Agency for starting the ‘Rays of Hope’ project.

The project was created to expand cancer patients’ access to radiation in low- and middle-income nations, which have the highest cancer rates and the lowest rates of cancer screening, diagnosis, therapy, and treatment.

“I am especially pleased with the visit since my work in cancer awareness has allowed me to see holes in the area.”

“As a result, I urge the IAEA to do more to prevent cancer-related deaths in Africa.”

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“Cancer therapy advocacy is vital because most patients who can afford it move overseas to get it, while the majority of patients who cannot afford it stay with little or no management care,” she added.

The first lady expressed hope that ‘Rays of Hope’ would shift the narrative around cancer in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“My foundation has done a lot in the field of healthcare delivery via medical outreaches throughout Nigeria in partnership with several development partners, and I would want to leave a lasting legacy in that respect,” she said.

As a result, she pledged to assist the IAEA in its cancer awareness efforts.

Prof. Yusuf Ahmed, Chairman of the NAEC, informed the first lady that the IAEA, which is cooperating with his commission, was at the White House to brief her on the Agency’s efforts in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy.

According to Ahmed, they excelled in nuclear medicine and gave assistance to nations in accomplishing their nuclear science and technology agendas.

He said that the Agency was aware of the Aisha Buhari Foundation’s achievements in the field of health advocacy in Nigeria.

Prof. Shaukat Abdurrazak, Director, Technical Corporation, IAEA, said that Rays of Hope is an IAEA project that focuses on high-impact, cost-effective, and long-term interventions in accordance with a country’s national requirements and commitment.

According to Abdurrazak, cancer sickness imposes the largest burden on low- and middle-income nations, with more than 19 million new cases and 10 million fatalities in 2020. Low- and middle-income countries account for more than 70% of cancer deaths.

He said that the organization has been assisting several nations in developing and strengthening safe, secure, and effective radiation medical capabilities in terms of radiotherapy, radiology, and nuclear medicine for over 60 years.

As a result, the IAEA director asked the first lady to utilize her position as President of African First Ladies to continue her campaign against cancer, particularly in the areas of investment and government collaboration.

He also pleaded with the first lady to help in the bureaucratic snarls that plague the importation of cancer equipment in Nigeria.