…as 100 Kwarans benefit from free cancer screening
By Matthew Denis
The First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shikafi Bagudu has opined that many Nigerians are battling cancer due to low awareness and inadequate facilities for treatment.
She stated this during an advocacy symposium and outreach programme at the Hebron International Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology Centre, Eyenkorin Ilorin, Kwara State.
Bagudu, who commissioned the centre, noted that many Nigerians are yet to have adequate knowledge of cancer, hence the high prevalence.
She said: “Obviously our country has a very big issue with cancer awareness and we don’t have enough facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
The Governor’s wife, however, said she has embarked on advocacy scheme to enlighten people on the life threatening ailment.
“This is why I am into the advocacy scheme. I came here (Ilorin) to partner with experts from United States of America to carry out research and embark on medical outreach to communities.
“I am doing a lot of this in Kebbi State and northern part of Nigeria and I am glad to be part of this event in Kwara State,” she added.
The First Lady who is the Founder of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and Diagnostic Centre, stressed the need for the Federal Government to have updated data on cancer as well as provide facilities for proper treatment of patients.
She added that the symposium has served as platform for her foundation to partner with the team from USA in analysing cancer statistics in terms of resources and expertise to reduce mortality as a result of cancer.
“If we have accurate data then we can hit the ground running and create more awareness to every nook and cranny of Nigeria,” Bagudu further said.
In his speech, the Principal Investigator for Prostate Cancer and Professor from Florida, Prof. Kemi Adeduna said advocacy is the major aim of the outreach programme.
This she said has been achieved by partnering with various Ministries of Health in various countries worldwide, so that governments can sponsor treatment for cancer patients.
According to her, there has not been adequate research on cancer especially in African countries for high level of awareness and treatment for patients.
Also speaking, the Chief Medical Director of the Centre and Convener of the programme, Dr. Kayode Adeniji said “it is a dream come true because when I became a consultant pathologist, I realised that for me to be fulfilled in life there must be contact with the community.
“I have attended a lot of international training in the USA and those of us in developing nations were advised to always identify early detection and prevention when it comes to cancer. And this can’t be achieved without access to the community.
Meanwhile, no fewer than hundred residents in Eiyenkorin community benefitted from free cancer screening and sensitisation during the programme.
