Copyright tribuneonlineng
Not fewer than 100 Women and adolescent girls in Dungal community, Bauchi LGA of Bauchi State have been screened and sensitized about breast and cervical cancer. The exercise was conducted on Thursday by members of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Bauchi State Chapter, with support from the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). Speaking during the exercise, Chairperson of MWAN, Bauchi, Dr Umma-Hanni Ja’afar, explained that the exercise was aimed at creating awareness among residents about breast and cervical cancers, which she described as major public health concerns. According to her, “We are in Dungal to sensitise both men and women on the rising cases of cancer among women. The information will also be stepped down to girls to help them recognize the signs and symptoms early.” She added that, “That is why we are using local dialects to ensure everyone understands the message.” Umma-Hanni Ja’afar noted that the Association would continue to reach out to rural communities in order to promote early detection and prevention of cancer. In her remarks, Dr. Zainab Kwaru, National President of MWAN, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and Adolescent girls across the country. Represented by Dr. Habiba Ismail, Chairperson of the Nigeria Cancer Society, Bauchi State Chapter, Habiba Kwaru emphasized the importance of early presentation of symptoms at health facilities for prompt response and action. She urged women to conduct regular self-breast examinations at home as part of efforts to reduce late detection of cancer. She also urged women and girls to present any abnormalities around the breast and cervix. According to her, “Any abnormalities should be presented to health workers at the facilities. Don’t do self medication ,don’t shy away but always consult a doctor.” Also speaking, Sulaiman Ibrahim, an official of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), said that the Commission would continue to support health interventions across the sub-region. He listed some of the ongoing interventions to include construction of health facilities and provision of medical equipment for vulnerable persons. In his goodwill message, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mohammed Dambam, commended MWAN for its foresight stating that going to the rural Community was very important considering the vulnerability of the residents. While delacring the exercise open, Dr Adamu Sambo, Chairman, Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), commended the group for community outreach programmes outlined to address health issues affecting women. He urged community dwellers to access the human Papiloma Vaccine (HPV) for adolescent girls in order to protect them against cervical cancer during child bearing age. The village head of the community commended the MWAN for choosing the community for the free medical outreach saying that the residents need more of such programmes. He also appealed to the Government to visit the health facility in the community and see how to fix it considering its dilapidated condition which is posing a threat to the clients who visit it for medical attention.
