A 26-year-old cervical cancer survivor, Mercy Moses, has recounted her near-death experience following her successful treatment at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH). In an emotional remark, Mercy expressed gratitude to God and the medical team for giving her a second chance at life, commending the care and encouragement she received throughout her treatment.
Hospital Leadership Commends Teamwork
Speaking during a brief ceremony held in honour of the survivor at the hospital in Gwagwalada, the Chief Medical Director of UATH, Prof Thairu Yunusa, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality, compassionate, and patient-centred healthcare. He described the successful treatment as a major milestone for the hospital and a demonstration of the capacity of Nigerian healthcare professionals to deliver world-class care despite prevailing challenges.
The CMD attributed the successful outcome to teamwork among consultants, nurses, radiologists, social workers, and other support staff, stressing that effective healthcare delivery depends on collaboration and dedication across all cadres of the hospital workforce. According to him, the patient had visited several hospitals before arriving at UATH, where specialists across multiple departments worked together to manage her condition successfully.
“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,” he said.
Yunusa further stated that the hospital remained committed to equitable healthcare delivery and supporting vulnerable patients, disclosing that UATH had recently taken over the management of another indigent child with a severe medical condition.
Medical Team Details Complex Surgery
Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Ishaq Lawal, who led the medical team, described the surgery as a significant breakthrough in cervical cancer management in low-resource settings. He explained that the patient underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy before a complex radical hysterectomy was successfully carried out by a multidisciplinary team after extensive evaluation.
Lawal noted that the patient’s treatment journey, which began several years ago, was marked by financial difficulties and interruptions in care, highlighting the urgent need for stronger support systems for cancer patients in Nigeria. To address the challenge, he announced plans for a Cervical Cancer Care Access Fund aimed at supporting indigent patients through complete treatment.
Also speaking, Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Habiba Abdullahi, described the survivor as a symbol of resilience and hope, noting that her recovery had inspired both healthcare workers and other cancer patients.
The successful intervention is being widely regarded as another indication of the growing capacity of Nigerian tertiary hospitals to handle complex medical cases through professionalism, innovation, and teamwork.
