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NICRAT, Roche, Oncopadi launch BRANT app for breast cancer care
NICRAT, Roche, and Oncopadi unveiled the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) application on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at reshaping breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.
At the launch, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described BRANT as a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance patient care and streamline support systems.
He emphasised that the app would also empower individuals battling breast cancer, offering them better access to resources and guidance throughout their journey.
Represented by Dr Waziri Usman, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Aliyu emphasised that breast cancer remained one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer among Nigerian women.
He noted that early detection, timely intervention, and leveraging technology could greatly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
BRANT, he explained, was designed to make navigating the complex landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment easier, by connecting patients, healthcare providers, support groups, NGOs, and civil society organisations into one unified system.
Dr Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi, highlighted the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria, with fewer than 95 oncologists nationwide, particularly in rural areas.
She stressed the need for technology to bridge the gap, allowing oncologists to reach patients across the country.
“Oncopadi has already been mobilising cancer patients for online care and educational resources over the past seven years.
“In partnership with Roche, Oncopadi is supporting 5,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The collaboration leverages Roche’s expertise in oncology diagnostics and Oncopadi’s digital oncology capabilities to launch BRANT.”
Dr Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Products Limited, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to address the growing burden of breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.
“The BRANT programme, which includes free immunohistochemistry testing and multidisciplinary teams, aims to remove financial barriers that delay diagnoses and treatment,”he said.
While the programme would run for the next 18 months, Hameed called for collective efforts to ensure its sustainability.
Mr Alexander Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Nigeria, lauded the initiative, calling it a valuable solution to reduce the burden of breast cancer.
He stressed the importance of taking action to ensure the programme’s success.
Dr Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), supported the initiative, urging the organisations to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding specialist support, digital health tools, and patient information.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports BRANT is a user-friendly platform offering personalised care, expert consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment facilities, and support for patients throughout their breast cancer journey.
NAN
News
RMAFC Reafirms Commitment To Recomend Appropriate Renumeration For Public, Political And Judicial Office Holders
Joel Ajayi
The Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to upholding its constitutional mandate of reviewing and recommending the remuneration of political, public, and judicial office holders in accordance with the Act establishing the Commission.
Dr. M. B. Shehu stated this when he received a delegation from the Iinvestment and Security Tribunal (IST) led by the Chairman, Hon. Amos Isaac Azi, who came on a courtesy visit.
Dr. Shehu assured the delegation that the Commission would conduct a thorough review of the IST’s salary structure to ensure alignment with constitutional provisions.
Commending the tribunal for its critical role in Nigeria’s capital market, Dr. M. B. Shehu, acknowledged its global recognition as one of the leading specialized tribunals, noting that similar models have been adopted internationally. He emphasized the tribunal’s significant contribution to investor confidence by efficiently resolving disputes among investors, companies, and individuals, thereby ensuring stability in the financial sector.
“We recognize the remarkable work being done by the IST, and its reputation as a model tribunal in capital market adjudication is well deserved. Your role in ensuring swift and fair dispute resolution is instrumental to investor confidence and market stability. Given the importance of your work, it is only right that we give due attention to your remuneration structure to ensure it reflects your responsibilities,” Dr. M. B. Shehu stated.
The Chairman emphasised that the Commission would revisit the matter with a renewed sense of urgency. “We understand that processes like these take time, as they require comprehensive review and input from various stakeholders.
However, the Commission will ensure that this matter receives the attention it deserves. We have within the Commission highly experienced legal professionals, including a commissioner with extensive expertise, who will oversee the review. Once their findings are concluded, we will make a final recommendation.”
Earlier in his address, Hon. Amos Isaac Azi disclosed that the purpose of the visit was to seek the support of RMAFC in ensuring that the remuneration of the Chairman, members and Chief Registrar of his organisation should be equivalent to that of the Chief Judge, Judges and Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court respectively as enshrined in section 220 of the Investment and Security Act 2007.
He expressed gratitude to Dr. M.B Shehu for the promp attention given to them and praised the Commission for its steadfastness and commitment to the implementation of its mandate.
Speeking further, he said, “As the custodian of investment dispute resolution in Nigeria, the Investment and Securities Tribunal must remain a beacon of efficiency and investor confidence. Just as the law mandates parity in remuneration between the Tribunal and the Federal High Court, so must its implementation reflect this statutory provision without delay,”
Hon. Azi also highlighted the tribunal’s achievements, including the resolution of over ₦1.3 trillion worth of disputes in favor of investors and government agencies, and its pioneering role in introducing verbatim transcription and virtual hearings in Nigeria.
The IST Chairman presented the Nigerian Investment and Securities Tribunal Law Reports, a publication showcasing its commitment to legal excellence and transparency in capital market adjudication to the Chairman of RMAFC
In her vote of thanks, Hon. Rakiya Tanko Ayuba Haruna, mni, Federal Commissioner representing Kebbi State in RMAFC, expressed appreciation for the IST’s engagement with the Commission .
She reaffirmed RMAFC’s dedication to ensuring that all public institutions receive fair and just remuneration, in line with constitutional provisions.
“RMAFC remains committed to reviewing and recommending appropriate remuneration structures, ensuring compliance with constitutional mandates while supporting institutions like the Investments and Securities Tribunal in their efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s financial sector,” she said.
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