According to a report, approximately 8,000 women die of cervical cancer yearly in Nigeria, as every 2 minutes some are diagnosed with it. A staggering part of the nation’s health sector has not been subjected to a thorough assessment.
It is for this reason, that the NACCIMA business women group (NAWORG) organised a health awareness program on the 1st of September 2022 at her state headquarters in GRA Ikeja.
Hosting members from Lagos chamber (LCCI), Badagry chamber (BACCIMA) and Ikorodu chamber (ICCI), the program emphasizes on early detection and treatment of the deadly illness which is silently seizing the existence of vibrant women in society.
The program saw the women-oriented organisation partnering with the Optimal Cancer Care foundation.
Leading the engagement, Dr Tosin Laleye urged women to always go for early detection most especially when they feel any form of an abnormal lump in their body.
Explaining the test to be carried out, she continued, “Visual inspection with acetic acid is a naked-eye examination of the uterine cervix, after application of 5% acetic acid and interpreting the result after one minute”.
“It is a simple and inexpensive test for the detection of cervical precancerous lesions and early invasive cancer”.
“HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. All preteens need HPV vaccination, so they are protected from HPV infections that can cause cancer later in life”.
“Teens and young adults through age 26 years who didn’t start or finish the HPV vaccine series also need HPV vaccination” she asserted.
In her remarks, the state coordinator, NACCIMA Business women group (NAWORG), Mrs Stella Igbekele Akande stated that the program is designed to create an awareness of breast and cervical cancer, which is a threat to the human race, especially women, though the level of awareness generated over the years in the western world cannot be compared to that of developing countries.
She proceeded, “Several attempts have been made by Governments, corporate bodies and non-governmental organisations to create this awareness. All these are aimed ultimately to reduce deaths arising from breast and cervical cancer”.
“We believe that through early detections, cancer can be kicked out of our lives. Today, we are here to talk about breast and cervical cancer, its prevention, elimination and early detection which will help us to take a range of actions that will save lives”.
“Let us not forget that there are women (wives, mothers, daughters and friends), whose lives have been turned upside down by cancer. We pray that the Almighty Lord will heal them. I wish to express my appreciation to everyone that has contributed to this cause: the NACCIMA Presidency, Executive members and the Optimal Cancer Care Foundation team led by Dr Tosin Olaleye and the NAWORG members, for the love and contribution, not to forget the health awareness committee headed by Mrs Yinka lgbani and team for making this program a reality today” Mrs Stella Akande added.
Consultant to the NACCIMA national president, Mrs Janet Omisore, who was also in attendance applauded the program citing its value to women across Lagos State.
“I am very happy to see that the NACCIMA business women group (NAWORG) are not only working to create wealth but also putting health as a priority to aid women”.
“This program will help members to check themselves and know their status, know what they need to do and take the necessary steps to keep themselves healthy”.
Expanding that the objective of NACCIMA business women group is to contribute to women’s level of productivity, Mrs Omisore asserted that the forum is key for women who are ready to build their businesses from the scratch and make ends meet.
“NACCIMA exhibitions have attracted business owners from around the world to do business in Nigeria, as a front-line benefactor, I am urging women to take advantage of the various opportunities presented by this forum” She concluded
Mrs Adeyinka Igbani, Mrs Flora Takim-Ndifon, Mrs Ngozi Modebelu, Mrs Helen Tabunor Ogedegbe, Alhaja Zainab Alogba and Hajia Sarat Onibudo were also in attendance.
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