A book on Cervical Cancer and Vesico-Virginal Fistula (VVF) is due for launch at Aso Hall International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Saturday, May 6, 2023.
Titled, Nadama, and written by Hajia Fatima Usara of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the book launch will be chaired by Prof Ahmed Ahidjo, Chief Medical Director of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. The special guest is General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), while the chief launcher is the Managing Director of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Ms Zouera Youssoufou. Chairman, House Committee on Health, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, is guest of honour.
NADAMA is a Hausa drama whose theme is derived from the name of the book itself, ‘regret’. Its theme is premised on creating awareness on Cervical Cancer and Vesico-Virginal Fistula (VVF). The story is a tragedy, twisted around unfortunate incidences of public concern, healthcare, love, honor, and consequences of irrationality.
She said the contents on VVF and Cervical Cancer are facts collated from research and interface with experts in the field. This approach places Nadama on a vantage ground of passing on a vital message while captivating the reader through entertainment (edutainment).
Usara said: “The choice of Hausa language owes much to the low level of cervical cancer awareness among the Hausa speaking community, especially those who dwell in the rural areas of Northern Nigeria.
“Most are ignorant of the options available for the treatment of both the cancer and the VVF for those unfortunately affected. This concern thus calls for continuous enlightenment campaigns through various forms of communication to apprise our people of this deadly disease and that it is preventable.
“The book also illuminates the importance of community networking in confronting health challenges suffered by the vulnerable.
The intention of the writer is to send this message down to the grassroots level through production of this drama as a first step. It will be followed by production of an audio book and ultimately production of a home video in the popular Hausa movie industry.
“The latter two productions are particularly for the benefit of non-literate Hausa speakers through entertainment. It is hoped that the book will be included in the curriculum of secondary and tertiary institutions to create this awareness from the teen ages upwards,” said Usara.
Besides, it also contains rich Hausa culture in form of proverbs, wise sayings, family culture and relationships worthy of being studied in our schools.
