Macedonian Call Cancer Foundation ( Foundation ) has invigorated its commitment to sensitizing Cancer awareness, healthcare, and empowering young girls at the grassroots through two major initiatives it held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

Specifically, it sensitized the targeted young girls on adolescent life skills, sexual health, the dangers of premarital sex and teenage pregnancy, personal hygiene, substance abuse, career pathways and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

While stressing on their well-being and essence of menstrual hygiene, the Foundation demonstrated this even by promoting and distributing Sanitary Products to the students.

The Initiatives, which focused on cancer prevention, early detection, adolescent health education and girls’ rights, brought together government representatives, healthcare professionals, school administrators and community stakeholders to promote healthier communities and support the development of young girls.

The first initiative which was a one week cancer awareness campaign that the Foundation organised in collaboration with the Bende Local Government Area administration from August 17 to 22, 2026, was themed “Know the Signs: Take Action, Save Lives.”

Participants included the Foundation’s Executive Director and UK Lead Convener, Annette Nneoma Elekwachi; Hon. Uwabunkonye Bassey; Dr. Eunice Uzumma Ojike; Dr. Mercy U. Igwe; Mrs. Josephine Ngozi Emenike-Okorie; Dr. Mrs. Ugomma Okorie-Wright; and Chief Mrs. Iheadigbo G. Oluchi.

It featured a train-the-trainer session, community outreach activities at health centres in Alayi, Ugwueke, Uzuakoli and Itumbauzo, including a Cancer awareness unity walk that commenced at the Bende LGA headquarters.

According to the Executive Director, the programme sought to improve public understanding of cancer, encourage early detection, addressing the barriers that prevent rural residents, particularly women, from accessing timely health information and screening services.

In the second Initiative, the Foundation undertook a four-day educational outreach to some schools from October 6 to 9, and used this platform to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

The schools reached out to included students of Bende Secondary Grammar School, Amoji Lodu Community Secondary School and Ugwueke Secondary School, Ugwueke.

Under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” the outreach aimed to equip the girls with practical knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, personal safety, education and future aspirations.

Topics covered included adolescent life skills, sexual health, the dangers of premarital sex and teenage pregnancy, personal hygiene, substance abuse, career pathways and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

Reacting after Sanitary products were distributed to them, some of the students that received them during the programme expressed appreciation to the Foundation for their generosity and commitment to their welfare, stating that said the lessons they learnt would remain with them as they grow and help guide their decisions and conduct in the future.

The Principals of the participating schools also Commended the Foundation for the initiative, and described the programme as very worthy, and beneficial to the students, stating commitment to ensuring that the knowledge acquired during the outreach was put into practice.

Officials involved in the girl-child outreach, were Udensi Nneka Ogbeyialu, and Programme Co-ordinator, Mrs. Treasure A. Nwankwo.