By Mary Agidi
The Foundation for Wives of Ondo State Officials and Female Politicians, FOWOSO and the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria BRECAN, today join World Health Organization, and the First Ladies Against Cancer to launch the global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer.
The wife of the state governor, Arabinrin Betty-Anyanwu Akeredolu, who led the launching in Ondo state at the TEAL-decorated Government House gate, Alagbaka , Akure, called for collaborative advocacy to make accessible, tools for the prevention and treatment of cervical cancer.
The founder of BRECAN and FOWOSO, explained that Cervical cancer is one that is preventable and curable, having discovered that the world has the tools, hence, the need for individuals to raise voices for the availabilities of the tools for all and sundry.
His words: “The world has the tools to make it happen. What remains is to make the tools accessible to ALL irrespective of who you are or where you live. Let’s do this to prevent suffering and untimely deaths due to cervical cancer.
“You are invited to make announcements and pledges to support this event. The colour of the event is TEAL. Our show of support starts with the decoration the government house gate, Alagbaka, Akure and BRECAN offices/ centres nationwide in TEAL. What about you? Show us in words and deeds”.
According to Mrs Akeredolu, who is a member of FLAC in Nigeria, the global targets was that by the year 2030, all countries would achieve 90% HPV vaccination coverage, 70% screening coverage, and 90% access to treatment of cervical pre- cancer and cancer, including access to palliative care.
She noted that part of the BRECAN’s goals was to make its offices as one-stop shop advocacy centres for breast and cervical cancer, which entails raising awareness, screening, HPV vaccination, fundraising to support treatment and data collection for collaborative research.
Speaking on behalf of FOWOSO, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi also affirmed that cervical cancer could be fought, while commending BRECAN for its immense contribution to the issue concerning cancers.
Earlier in her welcome remarks, the BRECAN representative, Mrs. Chinyere Iyke, noted that the association is collaborating with FOWOSO for the event in order to jointly call for the accessibility of the tool for cervical cancer treatment.
It was such a beautiful atmosphere decorated with TEAL colour fabrics and balloons.
