By Peter Okolie
Onitsha – An Australian-based charity organisation, the Onyebuchi Chris Ifediora (OCI) Foundation, says it plans to hold a second edition of its health symposium and empowerment campaign against breast and cervical cancers in Anambra.
The President of the Foundation, Dr Chris Ifediora, who made the disclosure in Onitsha on Monday said the one-day symposium for more than 300 secondary school girls, their principals and their teachers from 26 schools was in partnership with the Foundation for Health and Development (FHDN).
According to him, the theme of the symposium is “Breast Self Examination (BSE)” and the creation of awareness for the prevention of breast and cervical cancers among young women.
Ifediora said that the foundation was concerned with the high rate of cancer in the society, especially in remote areas due to lack of awareness on preventive measures among young women.
“The symposium aims to empower our young women on ways to prevent and identify early symptoms of breast and cervical cancers.
“Elsewhere in the developed world, the healthcare systems provide free screenings and vaccinations as the case may be.
“Nigerian women have no such privilege; yet, they are exposed to the same risks.
“The costs of treatment for those affected are beyond the reach of many Nigerian women,” he said in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
he added that the foundation aimed to empower them directly, starting from young ages, so that they could learn how to prevent the two cancers.
Ifediora explained that the training would help the young women to detect early symptoms in ways that would facilitate early treatment.
“We intend to expand our health programmes on breast and cervical cancer awareness and prevention, but we will need more resources, partners and support to make it more sustainable and far reaching,” he said.
He said the event would hold on Oct. 23 at Stella Maris Secondary School, Umueri, for students in Secondary Schools of Otuocha Educational Zone, comprising Anambra East, Anambra West and Ayamelum Local Government Areas of the state.
According to him, the wife of the state governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, a representative of the World Health Organisation and some stakeholders in education, health and women affairs, among others will grace the event.
A special lecture by a Consultant Public Health Physician; Video Demonstrations on BSE; handing out of Information factsheets and speeches by distinguished guests will form part of the highlights of the occasion, the foundation’s president added.
