The Founder of the Only Believe Care Foundation (OBcare) Pastor (mrs) Ima-Obong Andrew-Essien was among the notable participants at the International Cancer Week Conference 2025, a high – level global event aimed at charting new pathways in cancer prevention, access and equity for all.
The Conference, with the Theme, ” Redefining The Future of Cancer : Prevention, Access and Equity for All” commenced on October 13, and ended on October 17, 2025, at the Nigeria Army Conference Center and Suites, in Maitama, Abuja.
The event brought together health experts, Cancer survivors, policy makers, researchers, civil society groups and advocacy organizations from within and outside Nigeria to deliberate on innovative strategies for reducing the burden of cancer and ensuring equal treatment.
The First Lady of Imo state and Chair, First Ladies Against Cancer ( FLAC ), Her Excellency, Barr. ( Dr.) Chioma Uzodima attended as the special guest of Honor, the Chairman of the National Health Insurance Authority ( NHIA), Dr. Ibrahim yahaya Oloriegne chaired the occasional while the Honourable Minister for
Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziag Salako was the chief host.
Other notable speakers included the Minister of State for Humanitarian, Dr. Yusuf Sanunu, the Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mamould, the Director General of Nigeria Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment ( NICRAT ), Prof. Usman Aliju, the President and CEO of Nigeria Cancer Society, ( NCS ), Prof. Abidemi Omonisi , the MD, Anderson Cancer Center Texas, USA, Prof. Anuja Jinghran among others.
A high point of the Conference was the launching of the National Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment Guidelines. The Founder of the Only Believe Care Foundation, Pastor (mrs) Ima-Obong Andrew-Essien, in addition to being a strong advocate , is a member of the National Committee for drafting of the guidelines.
The five- day span event included panel discussion, technical workshops, evidence sharing forums among others .
The International Cancer Week is organized annually by the Federal Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), and other partners, as part of efforts to raise awareness, strengthen collaboration and foster innovation solutions in the fight against cancer.
