Abuja: The Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, in collaboration with Silver Cross Hospital Foundation, extended its childhood cancer awareness initiative to the residents of Karu-Biyi, Karumajigi community, Abuja. The event, which took place on Saturday, featured activities such as free medical screenings and skills acquisition programs aimed at sensitizing the community to childhood cancer.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the outreach sought to enhance awareness about childhood cancer, encourage early detection and treatment, offer basic healthcare services, and provide economic empowerment opportunities to women and vulnerable households. Dr. Kemi Adekanye, founder of the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s focus on addressing the low awareness of childhood cancer, stressing that it is not solely an adult disease.
Dr. Adekanye noted that the foundation has been actively engaging communities with awareness campaigns, health outreaches, and skills acquisition programs to suppor
t families and caregivers. She emphasized the importance of parents recognizing unusual symptoms in children and seeking prompt medical attention, as early diagnosis significantly improves survival outcomes.
During a previous outreach, the foundation identified two children with cancer whose parents were unaware of their conditions. Dr. Adekanye called for increased government intervention to subsidize treatment costs and expand health insurance coverage for children with cancer to alleviate the financial burden on families.
Dr. John Balogun, a paediatric oncologist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, reinforced the necessity of early recognition of childhood cancer symptoms to enhance treatment outcomes. He highlighted symptoms like persistent fever, unusual paleness, and prolonged headaches, urging parents to seek medical attention when such symptoms persist.
Chief Dauda Dogo, the Village Head of Karu-Biyi, expressed gratitude for the outreach, acknowledging the valuable health information and
services provided. He pledged ongoing community sensitization efforts and called for government support in healthcare initiatives.
Cancer survivor Mrs. Mariam Atswandeh shared her experience, stressing the importance of seeking medical advice for bodily changes and highlighting the financial challenges cancer patients face. She appealed for increased support from the government and stakeholders to assist cancer patients and advocacy organizations.
Additionally, Augusta Orji, founder of Fill and Feed a Soul International Outreach, contributed to the program by offering free HIV screenings and support services. The outreach also included skills acquisition for women, providing training and starter packs to help them establish small businesses and achieve economic independence.
Beneficiaries like Nafisat Ibrahim and Abida Abdullahi expressed appreciation for the empowerment opportunities, noting the impact on their ability to generate income and support their communities.