The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and multinational healthcare company Roche have signed an expanded Memorandum of Understanding to enhance access to affordable cancer care and treatment for Nigerian patients, building on their initial 2021 partnership.
The expanded agreement introduces a comprehensive cost-sharing initiative designed to reduce financial barriers to oncology care. Under this model, Roche covers 50% of the cost of monoclonal medicines and provides logistical support to ensure drug availability, while NHIA manages patient access and coordinates financing mechanisms.
Addressing Nigeria's Cancer Burden
The partnership specifically targets breast cancer, which represents a significant health challenge in Nigeria. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, there were over 30,000 new cases of breast cancer in Nigeria in 2022, making it the leading cause of death among Nigerian women.
Currently, over 80% of Nigerians pay for cancer treatment out-of-pocket, creating substantial financial barriers to accessing timely and effective care. The expanded MoU aims to alleviate these challenges by providing financial protection for individuals and families affected by cancer.
Comprehensive Care Framework
The agreement focuses on streamlining the enrollment process for newly diagnosed patients while ensuring that specialized tests like immunohistochemistry and treatment regimens, including Roche's innovative therapies, are more accessible and affordable. The partnership also creates access to patient navigation and counseling services, addressing an important but often neglected component of cancer treatment.
Ms. Linda Makwe of NHIA's Department of Standards and Quality Assurance explained that the program was designed to improve access to high-cost oncology medications, especially for vulnerable Nigerians. "The programme ensures that patients have access to critical oncology drugs at a subsidised rate, with the financial burden shared between Roche, NHIA and the patient," she said.
Expanding Infrastructure
The partnership has demonstrated significant impact on Nigeria's cancer care infrastructure. Since the first NHIA-Roche partnership in 2021, the number of cancer Centers of Excellence has almost tripled from seven to 20 facilities, signaling strong commitment by the NHIA to enhance access to high-quality cancer services for citizens nationwide.
The initiative has been inaugurated at Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Abuja, with plans for further expansion. Funsho David, Team Lead for Oncology at Roche, encouraged FMC Abuja to expand its NHIA service accreditation from six to over 20 services to offer a full continuum of cancer care from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy and rehabilitation.
Leadership Commitment
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, Director General of NHIA, expressed the authority's commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria. He noted the catastrophic financial burden cancer places on Nigerians and expressed confidence that the program will alleviate hardship, ensuring Nigerians are healthier and more productive.
"The NHIA is scaling the quality and scope of cancer diagnostic and treatment services at tertiary care centres. In the coming weeks, we will launch health insurance awareness campaigns as well," Ohiri said.
Dr. Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Nigeria, emphasized the partnership's potential impact: "With this agreement, every newly diagnosed cancer patient has the opportunity to access the treatment they need to improve their outcomes and quality of life while meaningfully contributing to the Nigerian economy."
Prof. Saad Ahmed, Medical Director of FMC Abuja, welcomed the partnership, noting that cancer treatment is often unaffordable for most Nigerians, making the cost-sharing initiative both timely and impactful. The collaboration represents a strategic approach to healthcare purchasing that aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients while aligning with Nigeria's goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
