In a significant stride toward transforming cancer care in Nigeria, the MedServe-LUTH Cancer Centre (MLCC)—formerly known as the NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre—has launched a five-day Hematopathology Boot Camp aimed at enhancing the nation’s diagnostic capabilities.

Held in Lagos and organized in collaboration with BioVentures for Global Health (BVGH), Roche, and other global oncology stakeholders, the intensive training programme is tailored to equip haematologists and pathologists with advanced skills to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment outcomes across Nigeria.

Driving Diagnostic Excellence

Speaking at the camp’s opening, Dr. Lilian Ekpo, Director of the MedServe-LUTH Cancer Centre, emphasized that the initiative is part of MedServe’s broader mission to overhaul Nigeria’s cancer care ecosystem.

“The goal is to enhance accuracy in cancer diagnosis so that patients receive timely and appropriate treatment,” Dr. Ekpo stated.

She noted that diagnostic precision remains a major bottleneck in cancer treatment within the country, often leading to misdiagnoses and treatment delays.

“You cannot treat what you don’t know,” she added. “This programme is helping bridge that gap by empowering specialists with tools to identify and classify cancers more precisely.”

 

World-Class Expertise and National Reach

The boot camp features globally recognized facilitators such as Dr. Steve Cusick and Kim Thompson, haematopathology experts from the United States, supporting the programme through BVGH. Participants hail from teaching hospitals across Nigeria, reflecting the national importance of the initiative.

In a country where cancer diagnosis largely depends on pathology—the analysis of tissue samples—the shortage of trained pathologists and outdated diagnostic tools has long hampered effective care. The boot camp directly addresses this systemic issue.

“This boot camp addresses a critical bottleneck in our cancer care system,” Dr. Ekpo said.

Beyond Training: Building a Sustainable System

MedServe, the healthcare investment arm of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), is not only improving access to cancer care but also closing long-standing gaps in infrastructure and workforce training.

“We’re not just training individuals—we’re building a system,” Dr. Ekpo affirmed.

The centre is also investing in the continuous professional development of medical physicists, radiotherapists, oncology nurses, and doctors, building a comprehensive, well-trained oncology workforce.

Despite the challenges posed by brain drain, MedServe has successfully retained its full team of oncologists and nurses—a testament to the centre’s commitment to quality and professional growth.

“Initiatives like this training can serve as motivation for others to stay, knowing they are being equipped with global best practices,” Dr. Ekpo noted.

Educating Patients, Empowering Communities

The MedServe initiative also prioritizes public education. Through active social media outreach, the centre is raising awareness about cancer symptoms, healthy living, and the importance of early detection.

“Many people still present late because they don’t recognise the signs,” Dr. Ekpo explained. “Education is key to changing this narrative.”

With cancer incidence rising across low- and middle-income countries, the Hematopathology Boot Camp represents more than a training event—it’s a critical turning point in Nigeria’s fight against cancer.

“The burden is real,” Dr. Ekpo concluded. “But with the right tools, training, and partnerships, we can save lives.”