Abuja: A six-year-old cancer survivor, Ms. Lois Adebayo, and her mother, Gloria Adebayo, have called on the Nigerian Federal Government to make childhood cancer treatment free to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the illness. The appeal was made during an advocacy event at the Church of Christ in Kado, supported by the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, in observance of International Childhood Cancer Day.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Lois, who is still receiving treatment, emphasized that governmental support would significantly improve the survival rates for children battling cancer. In her heartfelt plea, Lois addressed President Bola Tinubu, urging him to ensure that cancer treatment becomes accessible at no cost for affected children. Her mother, Gloria Adebayo, further elaborated on the financial and emotional challenges that families face in affording necessary treatments, pointing out the current lack of coverage for children’s cancer treatment.
Dr. George Ebong, President of the Association of Resident Doctors, FCTA, representing the Akanimo Cancer Foundation, explained that the advocacy initiative’s outreach to churches was a deliberate choice, aiming to leverage the community’s influence to raise awareness. Ebong highlighted the importance of medicine and faith working in tandem, encouraging regular medical check-ups and early detection of warning signs associated with childhood cancer.
Evangelist Abiodun Adegoroye, a cancer survivor himself, shared his personal journey, underscoring the necessity of both faith and medical intervention in overcoming cancer. He warned of environmental hazards, such as poor waste disposal, that could exacerbate cancer risks. Mr. Samuel Ekanem, an elder of the Church of Christ in Kado, welcomed the awareness initiative, emphasizing the church’s role in promoting both medical care and spiritual support. Mary Oji, another church member, stressed the critical need for parents to heed their children’s health complaints to prevent late diagnoses.
The event underscored a collective plea for governmental intervention to make cancer treatment free for children, highlighting the broader societal and spiritual support for this crucial health initiative.