By Correspondent in Osogbo
Breast and Cervical cancer account for over 50 per cent of all cancer in women in Nigeria despite the inaccurate statistics, according to the Executive Director, Dove-Haven Foundation, Osogbo, Dr Ekundayo Samuel.
Samuel made the disclosure at the launching of the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in his address of welcome in Osogbo, Osun state on Tuesday.
The executive director said that the strategy, which was launched in November 2020,was geared towards achieving the 90:70:90 targets set WHO to eradicate cervical cancer globally by 2030.
He said his foundation,a Nigeria-based, non-governmental organisation working toward cancer reduction decided to partner with the Osun State Government to organise a programme aimed at putting an end to cervical cancer.
Samuel added that the strategy, which was launched November 24, 2020, was geared toward achieving the 90:70:90 targets set by WHO to eradicate cervical cancer globally by 2030.
According to him, the event which symbolises with the lightning of the Bristol Foundation Tower at the Bristol garden, Olaiya, Osogbo, Osun State, attracted dignitaries and medical experts.
He expressed concern about the threat that cervical cancer posed and the several damages it would continue to cause, if nothing is done.
Samuel, who convened the event said: “The purpose of our gathering here today is that, we are joining other stakeholders in the world to launch the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer by the year 2030.
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”However, cervical cancer-related death is still more than 10,000 yearly with an annual incidence of approximately 15,000 cases.”
The DHF executive director,who stressed the alarming statistics of the decease, said this collaboration would make it possible for the quick elimination of the scourge in Osun state.
The Osun State Commissioner for Health,Dr Rafiu Isamotu, commended Dove-Haven Foundation for the good work, and promised that his state government, through the Ministry of Health, would always be available to help at all times in the fight against cervical cancer.
“I want to thank everybody, especially the World Health Organisation for their effort in deciding a way to ending cervical cancer in the world, because it is something that truly can be eradicated.
”As a state, we would collaborate with any organisation such as Dove-Haven Foundation that are committed to ending cervical cancer in our state.
”Osun state is committed with the backing of our leader, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, in making sure that everyone enjoys good health”.
In his goodwill message, Dr Siji Olamiju, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, thanked the organisers for bringing the event to Osun State.
According to him, the scourge of cervical cancer is huge in the society, nothing that it concerns all female folks; daughters, wives and mothers.
”I want to use this opportunity to thank the Dove-Haven Foundation and other foundations across the globe waging war against cervical cancer,” Olamiju said.
The Director, Public Health, Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr Adepoju Gbenga, expressed optimism toward the success of awareness against cervical cancer.
He said ”If we can end Polio in Nigeria, this is achievable, I believe it can be prevented. Let us all join hands together to support this organisation”.
Dr Abayomi Oni, Director Medical Services, Hospital Management Board, Osun State assured the Foundation of his support, whenever needed.
Dr Adefila A.V, Consultant Family Physician LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, and Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji of gynae-oncology unit, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, both reiterated the need to eradicate cervical cancer.
According to them, women do not,in most cases, enjoy life at the later stages of their lives due to death or pain from cervical cancer.
Our correspondent reports that Isamotu later launched the awareness and action plan, lit with teal green colour on the Bristol Fountain Tower located at the centre of the state capital with inscription on the monument,”END CERVICAL CANCER”.
The launch programme was also supported by Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results, Iyanu Ni Oluwa Pharmacy and Baby Mart, Favoured Emmanuel Health Care Limited, Osogbo, Bristol Garden and Park, Osogbo, and Victory Montessori Int’l School, Osogbo.
U mean u went to Osogbo to cover this assignment?
