A cancer-focused NGO, Project Pink Blue (PPB), has called on state governments and local councils to establish cancer health funds at the grassroots.

The programme associate of the NGO, Faridah Banwo, made the call during a road walk organised to commemorate the 2026 World Cancer Day, with the theme “United by Unique.”

“State governments and local councils need to create cancer health funds at their levels. This will allow them to reach more people living with cancer and give them the support they need,” Ms Banwo said.

The World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4, while the 2026 event was supported by Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.

Ms Banwo also urged the federal government to increase its allocation to the cancer health fund.

“We are also advocating for an increase in the federal allocation for cancer. This fund will help patients in many ways, especially those who cannot afford treatment,” she said.

According to her, inadequate funding often forces patients to abandon treatment midway.

“Some patients stop treatment halfway, not because they want to, but because they can no longer afford it. Increased funding will encourage patients to complete their treatment,” Ms Banwo said.

She explained that the road walk was aimed at raising awareness and drawing government attention to the need for stronger cancer interventions.

“This road walk is to create awareness and to get the attention of governments at all levels to do more in the fight against cancer,” she said.

Ms Banwo said PPB provides psychological support to patients, caregivers and survivors.

“We give psychological support to patients, caregivers and survivors. The cancer journey is not what the patient goes through alone.

“Patients need support from families, friends and the society at large,” she said.

Speaking at the event, the general manager of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, Martin Zarybnicky, said the organisation’s support was in line with its brand values.

“As a brand, we support charity initiatives like this road walk and also the 10th anniversary of Project Pink Blue,” Mr Zarybnicky said.

He described cancer as a global challenge.

“Cancer is not limited to Nigeria. It is a worldwide issue, and we need to create awareness so people know what to do and how to live,” he said.

Also speaking, a five-year colon cancer survivor and PPB ambassador, Fortune Osilem, said he joined the road walk to raise awareness about cancer and its treatment.

“I am a survivor. I have gone through the treatment, and I know what it takes,” Ms Osilem said.

He noted that cancer treatment is financially demanding for many patients.

“It is not easy to raise money for cancer treatment. Early detection helped me to take immediate action and avoid complications,” he said. 

(NAN)