Posted on: Fri 27-06-2025

In a determined effort to address one of the starkest disparities in global health—the survival gap in childhood cancer between wealthy and low-income nations—Nigeria has witnessed a renewed wave of hope. At the heart of this transformation is a powerful alliance involving St. Jude Global, the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), and The Dorcas Cancer Foundation (TDCF). Together, these partners are charting a new course to improve pediatric cancer survival rates and ensure that no Nigerian child dies at the dawn of life.

St. Jude Global, driven by its mission to combat childhood cancer through research, education, innovation, and evidence-based strategies, has expanded its footprint in Nigeria. Its recent working visit underscored this commitment, as representatives, including Dr. Nickhill Bhakta, Director for sub-Saharan Africa at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, engaged key stakeholders in Lagos. The visit also marked a milestone with the official inclusion of TDCF—the first Nigerian non-profit to join the St. Jude Global Alliance, a vast network of over 400 institutions across 80 countries.

Dr. Bhakta highlighted the urgent need to close the survival gap. While over 80 percent of children with cancer in countries like the United States survive, Nigeria’s rate lingers below 20 percent. He described this as “one of the greatest health-related disparities in modern medicine.” With a shared vision, the alliance aims to lift global childhood cancer survival rates to at least 60 percent by 2030, ensuring more Nigerian children gain access to timely and effective care.

The collaboration is already yielding promising results. Dr. Adedayo Joseph, Nigeria’s first pediatric radiation oncologist and founder of TDCF, emphasized the power of partnerships in addressing the unique challenges of childhood cancer in Africa. At LUTH, for the first time, children with brain tumors, kidney tumors, and leukemias are receiving advanced radiotherapy using cutting-edge techniques like Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT). Beyond technology, the partnership is fostering capacity building. Nigerian health providers are undergoing intensive training under the guidance of St. Jude, with opportunities for further collaboration in areas such as pediatric oncology nursing and patient navigation.

Professor Edamisan Olusoji Temiye, Consultant Pediatric Oncologist at LUTH, reflected on the transformative impact of this partnership. Inspired by his exposure to advanced cancer treatment models during a visit to St. Jude in Memphis, he has helped pioneer practices that are already improving survival outcomes. Notably, childhood leukemia survival in Nigeria has risen from nearly zero to 40-50 percent—a testament to the power of shared knowledge and innovation.

Yet, challenges persist. Molecular diagnosis remains a critical gap, with Nigerian samples currently sent to South Africa—a process that strains regional laboratories. To address this, LUTH has begun acquiring essential equipment, including a flow cytometer and fluorescent microscope, signaling a commitment to build local capacity.

For Korede Akindele, Chief Operating Officer of TDCF, this partnership represents more than technical progress—it embodies a shared mission of equity and resilience. “It is an opportunity to expand our reach, deepen our impact, and meaningfully contribute to a global mission of equity in pediatric cancer care,” he noted. The deepening alliance with St. Jude reflects a promise: that no Nigerian child with cancer will be left behind.

Through this collaboration, Nigeria is taking decisive steps toward bridging the childhood cancer survival gap, showing what is possible when local passion meets global solidarity. Together, they are turning a vision of hope into a reality for countless children and their families.

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