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INAUGURATION THE OF NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH NETWORK (NCRN)

thThe National Cancer Research Network was inaugurated on the 20 January 2011 at the Nigerian Institute of

Medical Research (NIMR). The meeting was hosted by the Clinical Sciences Division and Co-ordinated by Dr

N.N. Odunukwe; a Consultant Haematologist, Deputy Director of Research and the Head of Clinical

Sciences Division NIMR.

The meeting was organized for the stakeholders in cancer research and care to brainstorm on issues

bordering on cancer research in Nigeria. There were representatives from 12 tertiary institutions from

the 6 geo-political zones of the country as well as the National Co-ordinator of the cancer control

program at the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH)-Dr Patience Osinubi.

It was declared open by the DG NIMR Prof. I.A.O Ujah mni who laid emphasis on the fact that theburden of cancer in Nigeria and the rest of the developing world, especially Africa remains largelyunknown due to lack of adequate statistics and under-reporting. He also noted that cancer awarenessefforts and screening methods to enhance early detection do not seem to have had much impact on thenation, even though most cancers are preventable while others can be cured if detected early. Hehighlighted the relevance of formation of a national cancer research network (NCRN) comprising leadersin cancer care and research in the country. He also emphasized that the formation of this network is in linewith the mandate of the Nigerian Institute of Medical research. This was further buttressed by theimmediate past Director General of the institute Prof Oni Idigbe in his goodwill message.The goals and objectives of the NCRN were addressed which include coordinating of cancer research inNigeria, preparing a working document for national cancer research, collaborating with all stakeholders

in cancer care and research, facilitating a national policy on cancer management based on researchfindings, conducting trainings and capacity development in cancer care and research.

THE VISION OF NATIONAL CANCER RESEARCH NETWORK:

To be the best internationally recognized cancer Research network conducting research relevant to the Nation

and producing credible data.

MISSION STATEMENT

The National Cancer Research Network (NCRN) seeks to develop new avenues for prevention, diagnosis an

treatment of cancers; to relieve human suffering resulting from the disease by developing high quality medica

intervention programmes for patient care through collaborative interactions among research community an

policy makers. Ensuring sustainability of high quality research endeavour through medical manpower capacit

development.

The National Cancer Research Network will strengthen the interaction between health development policy

research and practice in the nation in order to strengthen synergy between the research policy/ activities of th

government and the research community. It will also enhance the use of research results by policy makers an

health care worker to further curb the danger posed by cancers.

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NCRN SECRETARIAT

Nigerian Institute of Medical Research is the NCRN secretariat.

The role of the secretariat is to provide support to the Network by taking responsibility for the technical and

organizational preparation of two workshops and one conference per year. The secretariat will also take care

of communications as well as the following.

- Hosting a screening centre to anchor cancer research.

- Serving as a central training centre for cancer research scientists.

- Organizing grant writing activities among the junior cancer investigating scientists

- Promoting and anchoring collaborative grant-writing activities among cancer research scientists for

the purpose of accessing external grants.

- Organising stakeholders meetings between NGOs, researchers, governments and funders.

- Hosting a central cancer research data bank.

The following Institutions participated fully:-

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria. University College of Medicine, University of

Ibadan. University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hosp. FMOH, Abuja. Lagos State University Teaching

Hospital, Ikeja. Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Aminu Kano University Teaching

Hospital, Kano. University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri. University of Uyo Teaching

Hospital Akwa Ibom. University of Abuja Teaching Hospital. University Teaching Hospital, Jos, and

Lagos University Teaching Hospital Lagos.

The outcomes of the meeting were:-

National cancer research network was inaugurated

Current issues on cancer research in Nigeria were discussedNational cancer research agenda was Redefined

Issues bordering on resource mobilisation for cancer research were discussed

A generally acceptable Vision and Mission Statement were written

Next steps for Implementation of the activities of the network in Nigeria were mapped out

The role of NIMR as NCRN was generally approved.

A Communiqu was developed

The secretariat of the NCRN is situated in NIMR.