In an effort to curb rising tide of cervical and prostate cancer cases in Nigeria, Anchoria Asset Management, in partnership with Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), has concluded a cancer awareness and screening campaign tagged Project S.H.I.E.L.D (Screening Helps Identify Early Life-threatening Diseases).
The initiative was executed in Alimosho and Ikorodu local councils of Lagos State. Cancer continues to claim countless lives in Nigeria, with cervical and prostate cancers ranking among the most prevalent. It was against this backdrop that Project S.H.I.E.L.D was conceived to response to the knowledge and access gaps fueling cancer-related deaths.
The project officially launched with a Memorandum of Understanding between Anchoria Asset Management and PSHAN. The MoU formalised a public-private partnership committed to leveraging resources, expertise, and grassroots networks to promote cancer prevention, early detection, and linkage to care.
Project S.H.I.E.L.D combined social and behavioural change communication with on-ground screening for cervical and prostate cancers, targeting communities in Alimosho and Ikorodu, two councils identified as high-burden areas. Over a period of three months, trained community mobilisers drawn from the target councils engaged directly with residents through home visits, community dialogues, and group meetings. These mobilisation efforts were complemented by roadshows held in strategic locations such Ikotun, Igando, Ijegun in Alimosho; and Ota Ona, Itupate, Alhaji, Ikorodu roundabout, Oriwu road, Ayanburem in Ikorodu.
Speaking on the initiative, Acting Managing Director of Anchoria Asset Management, Esther Ugwu, said: “At Anchoria, we believe that good health is the foundation of both personal and professional success. This belief inspired our partnership with PSHAN on the recent cancer screening awareness initiative, aimed at raising consciousness, encouraging early detection, and supporting healthier communities. Our commitment goes beyond business; it is about making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
Also commenting, MD/CEO of PSHAN, Dr. Tinuola Akinbolagbe, emphasised PSHAN’s commitment to expanding access to essential health services: “Project S.H.I.E.L.D reflects our mission to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of where they live or their ability to pay, has access to timely, preventive care. We are grateful to Anchoria Asset Management for their support and proud of the lives this campaign has touched.”
To ensure meaningful access to services, Project S.H.I.E.L.D offered free screening to 500 individuals comprising 250 women and 250 men. The women received Pap smear and liquid-based cytology tests to check for early signs of cervical cancer, while the men underwent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing in partnership with local healthcare providers, Ministry of Health, Health Service Commission, Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, and representatives from the General Hospitals in Ikorodu and Alimosho.
