By SN24.com 
By Peter Akpah.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has officially launched a nationwide free cancer screening program, starting with the North Central geopolitical zone at Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Plateau State.
The screening, which is part of the ministry’s activities to commemorate World Cancer Day 2026, will provide free breast, cervical, and prostate cancer screening for 1,000 persons in Plateau State.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom mni, who flagged off the program, emphasized that the initiative is in line with the ministry’s mandate to provide quality healthcare services to Nigerians.
Kachollom noted that cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths annually globally, and in Nigeria, it contributes significantly to non-communicable disease mortality.
She highlighted the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare system, including the establishment of multidisciplinary tumor teams in federal tertiary institutions and the implementation of the National Chemotherapy Safety Policy.
The Chief Medical Director of Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, has welcomed guests to the North Central program for free cancer screening, organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Health for choosing Plateau State for the program.
In his address, Dr. Pokop expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Health for the impactful initiative, which will provide free cancer screening for 1,000 persons. He emphasized that prevention is better than care, and the essence of the screening is to detect early cancers so that they can be treated.
Dr. Pokop explained that the screening will focus on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers, and will be conducted free of charge, thanks to funding from the Federal Government.
He urged members of the public to take advantage of the initiative, saying that early detection and treatment of cancer always yields good outcomes.
The event marks the flagging off of the nationwide free cancer screening program, and Dr. Pokop welcomed all guests, including the media, distinguished guests, and members of the public.
Cancer society of Nigeria praises the permanent secretary for free cancer screening initiative, Prof. Adamu Baduje, representing the Cancer Society of Nigeria, has expressed gratitude to the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom, for her efforts in promoting cancer control and care in Plateau State.
In a goodwill message, Prof. Baduje acknowledged the Permanent Secretary’s interest in cancer control and her role in ensuring that the cancer center in Plateau State becomes a reality.
He revealed that the Permanent Secretary had insisted that the free cancer screening program be brought to Plateau State, despite initial plans to hold it in Kogi State.
Prof. Baduje praised the Permanent Secretary for her dedication to improving oncology services in Plateau State, saying that her efforts have benefited the people greatly.
He also acknowledged the presence of various dignitaries, including the medical directors of teaching hospitals, the director from the Federal Ministry of Health, and members of the management team of George’s University Teaching Hospital.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Benue State, Dr. Samuel Otene, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Nasarawa State, Dr. Achara Peters, were among those present at the event.
Prof. Baduje announced that the Nigerian Cancer Society, Plateau State chapter, would be presenting awards to recognize the efforts of individuals and organizations in promoting cancer control and care.
The Cancer Society of Nigeria also presented awards to several individuals and organizations in recognition of their support for cancer treatment in Plateau State.
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, was presented with an award for his support for cancer treatment, acknowledging his leadership role in providing an enabling environment for cancer care initiatives. 
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Daju Kachollom mni, was also presented with an award of excellence for her support for cancer treatment, recognizing her efforts in promoting cancer control and care in Nigeria.
The Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, was presented with an award for clinical excellence and institutional leadership in oncology care, acknowledging his contributions to improving cancer care in Plateau State.
Other award recipients include the Honorable Commissioner, Plateau State Ministry of Health, Dr. Nicholas Ba’amlong, and Sunny Teodyen Foundation, who were recognized for their support for cancer treatment.
The awards were presented during the free cancer screening program organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Cancer Society of Nigeria.
The Plateau State Ministry of Health, represented by Permanent Secretary, Mr. Bitrus Keln Hosea, appreciated the Federal Ministry of Health for the initiative, saying it will reduce cancer risk and create awareness.
A beneficiary of the free cancer screening program, Mrs. Esther Jonathan Marawes, has expressed her gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Health and the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, for the initiative.
Mrs. Marawes, who underwent breast cancer screening, said she was happy to have taken advantage of the program, adding that early detection saves lives. “I don’t joke with my health,” she said, urging all women to take advantage of the free screening.
She expressed optimism that the program will help reduce the spread of cancer, saying it is an opportunity that will save lives.
Mrs. Marawes also thanked the Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Dr. Pokop Wushipba Bupwatda, for providing the venue, and the Permanent Secretary for bringing the program to Jos, Plateau State.
She also appreciated the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, for his leadership role in providing an enabling environment for the program to take place.
The free cancer screening program is aimed at detecting cancer early and providing treatment to those in need. The program is being conducted free of charge, thanks to funding from the Federal Government.
A retiree, Mr. Ishaya Atsen, has expressed his gratitude to the Federal Government for the free cancer screening program.
Mr. Atsen, who underwent screening, said he was happy to have taken advantage of the program, adding that it was a wonderful gesture by the Federal Government.
“I really thank the federal government and those who initiated this,” he said, expressing his appreciation for the free screening.
He also joked that if the program had been held in Kogi State, many people would not have attended, saying “we’ll give them kudos” for choosing Plateau State.
Mr. Atsen praised the Federal Government for its efforts, saying “Federal government has done marvelous. Thank you. God bless.”
The screening program is expected to benefit 1,000 persons in Plateau State and 1,000 persons across each of the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
The Federal Ministry of Health has assured that individuals diagnosed with cancer through the program will receive appropriate treatment support.
The program is part of the ministry’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare systems, expand health insurance coverage, and improve access to diagnostics.
The ministry has also commenced capacity building for healthcare workers on treatment protocols, chemotherapy safety, and pain management.
The American Cancer Society and other partners are supporting the training across federal tertiary institutions.
The Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Mutfwang, was acknowledged for providing an enabling environment for the program to take place.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Benue State, Dr. Samuel Otene, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Cancer Society, Nasarawa State, Dr. Achara Peters, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
