By Oluwatoyin Adegoke
The World Health Organization, WHO, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection across Nigeria, describing the disease as one of the most pressing public health challenges affecting women globally.
Speaking at a breast cancer awareness programme in Abeokuta, organized by the Jacaranda Cancer Centre, the WHO Representative, Dr. Goodness Ojo, said the organization was in support of ongoing efforts to educate communities, encourage regular screening, and promote healthy lifestyles.
She promised that the WHO would continue to provide technical support and advocacy to sustain breast cancer awareness.
In a lecture, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Adeola Ekundayo, emphasized the need to prioritize women’s health, noting that breast cancer remained a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Ekundayo also called for wider awareness across communities, especially among young people, to help them recognize the risk factors and seek timely medical attention.
Also, the Secretary of the Association of Radiation and Clinical Oncologists of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Bolaji Salako, stressed the need for continuous collaboration and support for patients and their families, commending the organizers for their commitment to the cause.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Jacaranda Cancer Centre, Dr. Kehinde Ololade, advocated the inclusion of cancer care in Nigeria’s health insurance schemes to make treatment more affordable and accessible, noting that many patients were still paying out of pocket.
