The Chief Medical Director of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Prof. Thairu Yunusa, has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering quality, compassionate, and patient-centred healthcare following the successful treatment of a 26-year-old cervical cancer survivor, Mercy Moses.
Speaking during a ceremony organised in honour of the survivor at the tertiary hospital in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Prof. Yunusa described the medical feat as a major milestone for the institution and a reflection of the growing capacity of Nigerian healthcare professionals to provide world-class treatment despite prevailing challenges in the health sector.
He said the successful outcome underscored the importance of teamwork and collaboration among healthcare workers, noting that consultants, nurses, radiologists, social workers, and other support staff all played critical roles in saving the patient’s life.
According to him, Mercy had reportedly moved through several hospitals before arriving at UATH, where specialists from multiple departments came together to successfully manage her condition.
“This success story reinforces the fact that Nigeria has the expertise and human capacity to reduce medical tourism if local healthcare institutions are adequately supported,” Yunusa stated.
The CMD further stressed that the hospital remained committed to equitable healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable and indigent patients. He revealed that the institution had recently taken over the management of another child with a severe medical condition whose family could not afford treatment.
Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Ishaq Lawal, who led the medical team, described the procedure as a major breakthrough in cervical cancer management within low-resource settings.
He explained that Mercy underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before doctors eventually carried out a complex radical hysterectomy after extensive medical evaluation by a multidisciplinary team.
Lawal noted that the patient’s treatment journey, which spanned several years, was fraught with financial difficulties and interruptions in care, a situation he said highlighted the urgent need for stronger support systems for cancer patients across the country.
To help address the challenge, he announced plans to establish a Cervical Cancer Care Access Fund aimed at supporting indigent patients through the full course of treatment.
Also speaking, Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Habiba Abdullahi, described the survivor as a symbol of resilience and hope, adding that her recovery had become a source of inspiration for healthcare workers and other cancer patients.
In an emotional speech, Mercy Moses expressed gratitude to God and the medical team for giving her a second chance at life.
She commended the doctors and nurses for their care, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout her treatment journey.
The successful intervention is being widely regarded as another indication of the growing ability of Nigerian tertiary hospitals to handle complex medical cases through professionalism, innovation, and teamwork.
