Project Pink Blue (PPB), a cancer-focused non-governmental organisation, has called for better access to pain relief and palliative care for Nigerian women suffering from cervical, ovarian, and other gynecologic cancers.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by PPB’s media contact, Ms Faridah Banwo, the organisation highlighted the urgent need to support women facing these deadly diseases.
The group noted that Nigeria records an estimated 7,093 deaths from cervical cancer and 1,824 from ovarian cancer each year, underscoring the pressing need for compassionate and comprehensis.
PPB expressed concern that most of these women die in pain, with limited access to pain relief and end-of-life care.
To address this, the organisation, in collaboration with the International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), USA, has established a Steering Committee for its new initiative, the Count Me In: Pain and Palliative Project (PPP).
The committee will provide strategic oversight, technical support, and guidance to ensure effective implementation of the project.
The statement said the committee will help develop training curricula for healthcare workers, support pilot programmes, advocate for policy change, and contribute to research and awareness campaigns.
Members of the committee include Ms Ivy Umeh, a cervical cancer survivor (Nigeria); Prof. Rose Anorlu, Consultant, University of Lagos/LUTH; and Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Training (NICRAT).
Others are Dr AnneKathryn Goodman, Harvard Medical School (USA); Prof. Tonia Onyeka, President, Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Nigeria (HPCAN); and Dr Onyinye Balogun, Weill Cornell School of Medicine (USA).
Also on the committee are Dr Raimundo Correa from Chile; Pharm. Ramatu Alabelewe, ABU Teaching Hospital; Nurse Amaka Juliet, National Hospital Abuja; and Dr Anisa Mburu from Kenya.
Other members include a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Imam Abduljelili Orankan, Chief Imam, NASFAT, Abuja; Rt. Rev. Ishaya G. Baba, Anglican Bishop of Zaria; and Dr Candidus Nwakasi, University of Connecticut, USA.
The statement noted that over 50 per cent of women with cancer in Nigeria experience moderate to severe pain.
It added that less than half of oncology centres in Nigeria are equipped with functional palliative care units.
PPB’s Executive Director, Mr Runcie Chidebe, said the Count Me In project will train healthcare workers, set up palliative care units, and educate cancer patients.
He said the 2024 IGCS consensus report found that 84 per cent of women with cervical cancer experience pain, but many in low-income countries like Nigeria lack access to adequate medication.
Chidebe noted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises pain and palliative care as a basic human right for patients with life-limiting illnesses.
“In Nigeria, accessing pain medication remains a major challenge, especially oral morphine, which is the global standard for managing cancer pain,” he said.
He added that integrating pain management early in treatment improves outcomes for patients.
“While Nigeria is making progress with HPV vaccination, we must not forget the women already diagnosed with cancer who are suffering in pain,” Chidebe said.
