The Defence and Police Officers Wives Association (DEPOWA), yesterday, embarked on a sensitisation campaign for school girls in military and police schools in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on cervical cancer prevention.

The programme was organised as part of three-day Medical Outreach by the association to mark the Cancer Awareness Month.

President of DEPOWA, Mrs. Oghogho Gwabin Musa, said the awareness was to encourage women and girls to go for early detection and treatment.

She added that the outreach was to reach out, create awareness and sensitise the children on the common health conditions and preventive measures, as cancer has affected millions of people worldwide, causing immeasurable pain and suffering.

Musa said the programme was also to encourage students to get involved in cancer awareness, adding that they would also be availed of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine that would be launched on October 24, for girls of between nine and 14 years.

According to her, every girl-child should be able to examine her breast at home to detect lumps early, because early detection saves lives.

She added that more than 200 adolescent girls from tri-service schools would be sensitised on HPV infection, and the vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer.

“Also, we will reach out to orphans and vulnerable children including children of our fallen heroes to encourage them to embrace healthy practices, deworm them, provide medical services and support them with school supplies.

“The programme will be concluded with free medical check-up for DEPOWA members and a road march/aerobics exercise to encourage our women to be physically active and take care of their health, so they can continue to take care of the home front, their husbands and children,” she added.