The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has called on Nigerian women to prioritize early detection of breast cancer, as the country marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month. With 32,278 new breast cancer cases and 16,332 deaths reported annually, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Nigerian women and a leading cause of cancer deaths. The NHIA aims to strengthen health insurance as a financial buffer against serious illnesses.
Nigeria accounts for 10.5% of Africa's cancer burden, ranking among the three most affected countries on the continent. The federal government and Nigerian cancer stakeholders have emphasized the need for increased awareness and support. The NHIA, under Director General Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, is expanding financial protection for insured patients facing high oncology treatment costs, which can exceed household income and are often unaffordable for most Nigerians.
The NHIA has partnered with pharmaceutical company Roche to reduce the cost of selected oncology medicines for eligible insured patients. Under the agreement, Roche absorbs 50% of the cost, the NHIA contributes 30%, and patients pay 20%. This cost-sharing structure effectively removes 80% of the medicine cost from patients' direct financial burden, making treatment more sustainable for households under economic pressure.
In addition to the partnership with Roche, the NHIA has introduced support for radiotherapy, covering up to N400,000 or full coverage for eligible patients. The authority also maintains benefits for key cancer-related diagnostics, including mammography, CT and MRI scans, bone scans, and laboratory investigations. These benefits are part of the broader package that provides for screening, surgery, chemotherapy, and follow-up care, depending on patient eligibility and applicable insurance benefits.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri emphasized that the effectiveness of health insurance should be measured by the extent to which coverage protects families from expensive illnesses, rather than just enrolment figures. The NHIA's interventions aim to provide meaningful protection when illness strikes. With over 23 million Nigerians currently enrolled in the national health insurance system, the NHIA has a growing platform for scaling financial protection against cancer and other high-cost diseases.
The NHIA's efforts to increase access to cancer care and reduce financial burdens on patients are crucial, given the high cost of comprehensive cancer care. Treatment abroad remains beyond the reach of most Nigerians, and the authority's expanded support for radiotherapy and diagnostics can make a significant difference. By prioritizing early detection and providing financial protection, the NHIA aims to reduce the impact of cancer on Nigerian families.
As the NHIA continues to implement its initiatives, it is expected that more Nigerians will have access to affordable cancer care. The partnership with Roche and the expanded support for radiotherapy and diagnostics are key steps towards achieving this goal. With increased awareness and support, Nigeria can make progress in reducing the burden of cancer and improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
Key points
- NHIA partners Roche to cut cancer drug costs by 80% for eligible insured patients
- Nigeria accounts for 10.5% of Africa's cancer burden, with 32,278 new breast cancer cases reported annually
- Over 23 million Nigerians are currently enrolled in the national health insurance system
