Anambra kicks off anti-breast, cervical cancer campaigns

ANAMBRA State Commissioner for Basic Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha has identified cervical and breast cancers as major challenges of healthcare in developing countries like Nigeria.
The commissioner made the observation during kick-off of Anambra anti-breast and cervical cancers campaign at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Main Auditorium, Awka.
She noted that studies carried out in 2017 showed that no fewer than 14,089 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in Nigeria, while 8,240 of them died.
Prof. Omenugha enjoined all tertiary institutions, faith-based organisations, NGOs and government at all levels to join hands in the anti-cancer campaign.
The programme was described as “Arm Our Youth (ArOY)” Health Campaign, a flagship health initiative of OCI Foundation.
Director of Schools, Mr Ray Offor, represented Commissioner during the event.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Governor Obiano on Creative Media, Mr Bob-Manuel Udokwu said the anti-cancer campaign was timely.
“The foundation came at a time when people are despondent, so the initiative is not just for women alone but for everybody.”
According to him, the project is one course we all have to lend our popularity and credibility to.
He, then, enjoined Ndi Anambra to key into the health insurance scheme set up by government to give them access to healthcare delivery at affordable rate.
Founder and president of the organisation, Dr Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora noted that his organisation was established with the primary aim of bridging, breaking down barriers to attainment of health and educational excellence among Nigerians.
The OCI president said the foundation was willing to work with anyone or group to actualise its aim.
He said lectures on breast and cervical cancers would be taught in senior secondary schools in Anambra State.
Vice-Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Charles Esimone, praised the initiative, stressing that the programme was targeted at the youths.
Prof. Esimone who said he was pleased to identify with the programme called for its sustenance.
Nollywood actress and film producer, Mrs Ebele Okaro, pledged her support to the initiative.
“We will do our best to ensure that we educate people through whatever social media handle we use so as to impact on lives.”
The event featured presentation of certificates to Prof. Omenugha as sponsor, Champions, Mrs Joy Ulasi and Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, Ambassador, Mrs Okaro, Partners, Innoson Group and UNIZIK.
A mobile phone application, ‘CerviBreast App’ dedicated to the ArOY campaign was also displayed at the event.
Present at the occasion are former Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Akabuike, Zonal Directors of Education and WHO representative, Dr Chukwuebuka Ugwu and some royal fathers.