Nigerian Pharmacists Push for Greater Role in Cancer Care Access

By Tosin Clegg
As Nigeria joins the world to mark World Cancer Day, attention is turning toward a growing force in the country’s oncology response, pharmacists and health product specialists who are expanding access to life-saving cancer medicines through innovation, education, and stronger hospital partnerships.

Cancer remains one of Nigeria’s most challenging public health burdens, with the World Health Organization estimating over 100,000 new cases annually. While treatment advances have improved survival rates globally, access to quality care in Nigeria is still limited by cost, late diagnosis, and fragmented supply systems. In recent years, however, a quiet revolution has been unfolding within the pharmaceutical sector, driven by professionals determined to bridge that gap.

Among them is Victor Alemede, an oncology product specialist at Roche Nigeria, who has been at the forefront of efforts to expand the availability and proper use of anti-cancer biologics across major treatment centers in the country. Working with oncologists, pharmacists, and hospital administrators, Alemede and his team have focused on ensuring that patients not only receive effective medications but also the information and support they need throughout their treatment journey.

“The role of pharmacists in cancer care has evolved significantly,” Alemede explained in a conversation with ThisDay. “It’s no longer just about dispensing medication. It’s about ensuring that patients understand their therapy, that hospitals are equipped to handle complex biologics, and that healthcare providers collaborate closely for the best outcomes.”

His work exemplifies a new model of engagement, one that brings pharmaceutical science, clinical partnership, and patient education together. Through initiatives led by Roche and its technical partners, pharmacists across Nigeria have been trained on oncology product handling, pharmacovigilance, and therapeutic monitoring to reduce treatment errors and improve adherence.

The push comes amid broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s oncology ecosystem. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, more than 70 percent of cancer cases in Nigeria are diagnosed late, largely due to limited awareness and screening programs. Health professionals believe that improving education and early testing could save thousands of lives each year.

“Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient counseling and community education,” Alemede noted. “They are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, and with proper training, they can help identify early warning signs, encourage screenings, and demystify cancer treatment.”

Beyond hospital settings, private-sector collaboration has become key to driving change. Pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and professional associations have begun forming partnerships aimed at lowering costs and increasing the availability of targeted therapies. In 2019, discussions between the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and several multinational drug manufacturers explored new patient-access programs designed to subsidize treatment for low-income patients.

Health experts say that such models, combined with local advocacy, are reshaping the cancer care landscape. “Access is not just about supply; it’s about trust and education,” Alemedesaid. “When patients understand that early treatment can improve outcomes, and when clinicians and pharmacists work as a team, we see better adherence and reduced complications.”

A significant barrier remains the limited number of cancer treatment centers across the country. Nigeria currently has fewer than 15 functional radiotherapy machines, serving a population of over 200 million. This capacity gap has forced many patients to seek care abroad or forgo treatment altogether. However, professionals like Alemede believe that targeted collaboration  between government, academia, and the private sector can accelerate progress.

“At the end of the day, it’s about sustainability,” he said. “We can’t rely solely on imported expertise or external donations. Building local capacity, empowering pharmacists, and investing in early diagnosis will determine how effectively Nigeria responds to the cancer challenge.”

As the world reflects on this year’s World Cancer Day theme, “I Am and I Will,” Nigerian pharmacists are increasingly positioning themselves as integral actors in the country’s response, not only dispensing drugs but also shaping conversations on prevention, access, and patient support.

Their efforts underscore a crucial reality: tackling cancer in Nigeria will require more than medical intervention. It will take innovation, collaboration, and the determination of health professionals working quietly at the intersection of science and humanity.