Build subsidised cancer centres in rural communities, group tells FG 

Women of Glory Foundation has urged the government to take proactive measures by establishing subsidised cancer treatment centres specially designed to serve rural communities.

This initiative, according to them, is critical in addressing the health disparities faced by rural populations, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment, and ultimately improving survival rates for those affected by cancer.

The Foundation, through its President, Lady Lucy Nwajideobi, made this known at a cancer awareness outreach with the theme “Cancer No Be Wetin You Suppose Take Play,” held at Govina village, Abuja.

Lucy also called on the private sector and well-meaning individuals to get involved in the fight against cancer in communities grappling with poverty.

She said: “We are calling on the government and the private sector to do more; they should go into these rural communities, pass on the message of the dangers of cancer, and provide affordable healthcare to cancer patients.

“The cure for cancer is expensive; many of these people in the local communities cannot afford it, and even the primary healthcare centres that we have are not able to take care of its complications. Poverty is high in these rural communities. As a foundation, we have enlightened them on the types of cancer and the need for early detection.”

A key community convener and missionary, Rev. Ifeanyi Ohaegbu, noted that cancer is deadly and there is a dire need for more enlightenment.

Ifeanyi urged the community to also go to the hospital for medical checkups as they seek the face of God.

“Women of Glory’s presence in this community is very laudable because there is a need for enlightenment on the dangers of cancer. Residents in the community should seek the face of God and also go to the hospital for medical checkups,” he said.

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Speaking on behalf of the community, Pastor Jeremiah Kaura commended the timeliness of the sensitization exercise.

He also appealed to the government to create more accessible cancer treatment centres within their community.

In his words: “Today, the cancer awareness outreach is very informative and detailed. I have learned a lot about prostate cancer. I appeal to the government to support NGOs like this in creating more awareness and to create more accessible health centres. One of the things that is making people run away from the hospital is exorbitant bills. If the bill is less, people can have free access to go to the hospital and check themselves.”

Also, one of the beneficiaries, Ishaya Halima, in excitement, eulogised the outreach program when she said: “I am now informed that whenever my breast is aching, I can rush to the hospital and get examined for breast cancer. This information is so helpful for all of us. We are grateful, and we encourage more initiatives like this.”