By Muhammad Amaan
The Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF) has unveiled plans for its 2025 Cancer Awareness Campaign, a sustained impact in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and care across Nigeria.
The MCF announced ‘Walk Captains and a Grand Prize for Nigeria’s Largest Cancer Walk schedule for October 25, in Abuja.
Cancer is a major global health challenge, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths occurring worldwide in 2022, and it is predicted that the number of new cases will rise significantly to 35 million by 2050.
In Nigeria, the fight against this burden is championed by the Medicaid Cancer Foundation (MCF), which is proud to announce the 11th edition of Walk Away Cancer 2025, Nigeria’s premier cancer fundraiser and advocacy walk.
“The MCF is thrilled to announce its esteemed Walk Captains for 2025: Alhaji Shehu Dikko (Chairman, National Sports Commission) and Barrister Chioma Uzodinmma (Chairperson, First Ladies Against Cancer).”
The MCF stated that the combined influence will broaden the walk’s national footprint and accelerate the efforts to achieve crucial cancer control goals across Nigeria.
Under the powerful theme; ‘One Walk. One Fight. One Mission,’ the event is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Monoliza Park, Abuja.
Walk Away Cancer, which launched in 2014 under the leadership of Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, founder of MCF and the first African to be elected as President of the Union for International Cancer Control, has grown into a globally recognized health advocacy platform.
It seamlessly blends fitness, awareness, fundraising, and community engagement, serving as a unifying force for cancer survivors, policymakers, corporate organisations, civil society, caregivers, health practitioners, and advocates from across Nigeria.
This year’s edition is packed with activities designed to educate, empower, and engage the community:
“The five-kilometre advocacy walk, is a spirited walk-through designated routes in Abuja, complete with advocacy chants, placards, and community engagement stations to drive home the message of early detection and policy change.
“Health and Wellness Village: A major highlight offering free Breast Checks, Free Eye Screenings with Free Glasses, Free Medical Consultation, Free HPV vaccination, and general wellness services for the public.
“Mid-Walk Engagement: Brief but impactful health talks will be delivered by leading oncologists, celebrities, policymakers, and courageous cancer survivors.
“Closing Rally and Concert: The event culminates in a festive gathering featuring lively musical performances, cultural presentations, recognition of cancer survivors, and donations to support cancer patients.
“Community Hub: The Park will host vendor booths, food and beverage stands, awareness exhibitions, a Children’s play area, family moments, and networking opportunities.”
Health Reporters Newspaper reports that participants who purchase any of the official Walk kits (T-shirts, caps, wristbands) stand a chance to win an iPhone 17.
“To enter, simply purchase your kit and submit your contact number and proof of payment with the MCF Sales Team.”
It stated that the proceeds from kit sales directly fund cancer patient care, awareness programs, and the provision of free screenings through MCF’s Charity Corner initiative, PACE Program, and Care Wheels.
The fight against cancer is a shared path, not an individual one. WalkAway Cancer provides a powerful platform to celebrate survivors, support those currently in treatment, and honour the memory of loved ones lost to the disease.
More critically, the walk serves as a powerful fundraiser, enabling the Medicaid Cancer Foundation to subsidize diagnostic services, essential treatment costs, and crucial patient support across Nigeria.
With over N2.5 billion raised and distributed since the inception of this program, funds have reached cancer patients, their families, and early-to-mid career researchers.
Every step taken and every naira raised makes a tangible difference in the lives of Nigerians battling cancer.
MCF urges everyone to stand in solidarity with the cancer community. We call on corporations, NGOs, media houses, faith groups, community organizations, and all citizens to join the mission.
Whether you participate by walking, volunteering your time, sponsoring the event, or purchasing a walk kit for a chance to win the grand prize, your involvement is a direct investment in saving Nigerian lives.
Existing for 19 years, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation is Nigeria’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to cancer advocacy, awareness, screening, and patient support.
Through strategic partnerships and community-centred interventions, MCF delivers vital cancer drugs and diagnostic tests at low rates, continues to drive awareness nationally, and pushes for cancer research and clinical trials globally.
