By CAC2 Student Member Joshua Omale
Attending the 2024 International Cancer Week, organized by Nigeria’s National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), was indeed a great a experience – one that I won’t forget soon. Under the theme “Accelerating Nigeria’s Path to Comprehensive Cancer Control: Innovation, Access, and Partnership,” the event brought together voices from all corners of cancer care, all driven by a shared mission to tackle cancer across Nigeria and beyond. It was both a learning experience and a reminder of the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing the fight against cancer.
The discussions were powerful as each session introduced new ideas and highlighted practical paths to build a healthcare system that leaves no one behind. Hearing stories from survivors and advocates alike was a great reminder that beyond policies and numbers, there are real lives, real families impacted by each decision we make and each gap we close. It was truly inspiring to witness firsthand the dedication of other organizations and individuals committed to this cause.
As a member of CAC2, working in childhood cancer awareness, it was great meeting with, and connecting with others with the same goal: to ensure that children and families affected by cancer have the support they need. Childhood cancer care has its own unique set of challenges and raising awareness and building stronger community support networks are goals we all share. I’m so grateful for the collaborative spirit and dedication shown by everyone involved. Together, we reaffirmed our commitment to advocating for increased awareness, prevention, and access to quality care, especially for children affected by cancer. Childhood cancer is a unique battle; the fight extends beyond treatment as it touches also on survivorship, emotional support, and educational access. This gathering allowed us to align our goals, drawing strength from each other’s dedication and planning ways we can keep improving outcomes for young patients.
As I reflect on my time at the International Cancer Week, I am filled with a renewed commitment to this cause. I am hopeful for Nigeria’s path forward in cancer control and encouraged by the collective dedication I witnessed. The path to comprehensive cancer care in Africa won’t be easy, but with each connection, each conversation, and every shared story, I believe we are one step closer to building a future where no child, family, or individual faces cancer alone.
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR:
Joshua Omale, a college student pursuing a degree in Biochemistry at the University of Jos, Nigeria, is a passionate childhood cancer advocate. Channeling personal grief into purpose, Joshua is dedicated to transforming tragedy into positive change. Fueled by the memory of his late brother Joseph, who battled Hodgkin’s Lymphoma with unwavering courage, Joshua stands alongside the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer in the tireless pursuit of a world where no child suffers the devastating impact of this relentless adversary- starting from his dear country Nigeria. With a commitment to raising awareness globally and amplifying the voices of families affected by childhood cancer, Joshua shares his family’s journey through heartfelt storytelling, and leads impactful initiatives in his country, Nigeria- bridging borders to foster unity in the fight for a brighter, cancer-free future for children everywhere. You can reach him directly at:
Thank you to NICRAT, SRHIN, CCAIN, CAC2, and everyone else working tirelessly in this space. I’m grateful to be part of this mission and look forward to more impactful collaborations as we push forward for a future free from cancer.