Nigeria Cancer Diagnostics
In Nigeria, opportunities exist in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. At a World Cancer Day event in February 2021, Nigeria’s Minister of Health announced that the government will add 12 more public hospitals for chemotherapy under the Chemotherapy Access Partnership program, a project that will provide for the replacement of outdated equipment in the existing eight cancer centers.
A growing number of Nigerian healthcare professionals in the diaspora and foreign private investors have expressed interest in establishing new cancer treatment facilities in the country to serve Nigerians who would otherwise seek treatment overseas. These prospective projects are expected to drive demand for medical devices for imaging, chemotherapy, endoscopy, clinical laboratory, pathology, and surgery.
The high rate of breast and cervical cancer in Nigeria has caused growing awareness for early screening generated by intensive campaigns by government and non-governmental organizations. This has opened the market for diagnostic products and vaccines. Oncologists and other cancer specialists are in very short supply, indicating a dire need for training and support services for caregivers.
Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country with a population of over 200 million people. The latest cancer statistics released by the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) on Nigeria indicates that in 2020, there were a total of 124,815 cases and 78,899 related deaths. Breast cancer accounted for 22.7% of new cases, prostate cancer for 12.9%, and cervical cancer for 9.7%. The report says as the lifespan of Nigerians increase and the country industrializes, it is expected that nearly 40% of Africa’s cancer burden will occur in Nigeria.
In 2018, the government launched the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP, 2018-2022), a five-year program which outlines key goals and objectives for Nigeria’s cancer control efforts. The plan details the strategies that will allow the country to achieve its aims, while recognizing important challenges. The Ministry of Health has budgeted nearly $308 million for this project, of which the federal and state governments will provide 75% of the funding required. Nigeria’s donors and development partners will provide the remaining 25%.
There are several local and international, profit and non-profit cancer organizations operating in the country. These groups are involved in initiatives and programs that promote education, awareness, research, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and counseling services. The government remains the biggest buyer of cancer equipment and technologies. Of the eight public hospitals in Nigeria that offer comprehensive therapy, only four are currently functional. There are only three privately owned cancer hospitals and they largely serve high-income patients who can afford the expensive treatment costs.
The best way for U.S. companies to access opportunities is to utilize the matchmaking programs of the U.S. Commercial Service to find qualified local distributors, agents, and partners. For assistance, please contact Commercial Specialist Chamberlain Eke on chamberlain.eke@trade.gov.