As Nigerians joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Cancer Day, the management of Lift Above Poverty Organization has called for partnership with healthcare providers, government agencies and stakeholders in the fight against the deadly disease.
The organisation under its LAPO Community Campaign for Cancer Control Project in Nigeria (LAPO-C4) noted that the partnership would enable stakeholders to strive to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the multifaceted challenges posed by cancer.
Speaking at the free cervical screening organised for women at the New Era Primary Healthcare, Benin City with the theme, ” United by Unique” Faith Ojo, President and Chief Operating Officer LAPO-NGO, said the Organization had long recognized the intricate link between health challenges and socioeconomic status.
Ojo who said early detection is key to treat cancer diseases noted that since the inception of LAPO-C4 project in 2016 about 3,281,723 target community members have been reached with cancer enlightenment messages.
She said they were reached through community outreaches, printed enlightenment handbills, radio and television jingles, bus branding and bill board messages across target States.
She also added that a total of 45 health facilities have been partnered and upgraded for free basic screening services through the training of 49 health workers and monthly supply of screening materials.
The LAPO NGO President stated that Beneficiaries have been screened for breast, cervical, prostate and childhood cancers, and many referred for further screening and treatment.
“The project equally facilitated the strengthening of community capacity for cancer control through the establishment of community committees or groups for cancer control.
“Through the community level screening and referral services, the project has identified some early stages of malignant tumors which were successfully treated due to their early detection.
“Since our inception in 1987, we have been dedicated to the social, health, and economic empowerment of the poor and vulnerable in Nigeria.
“Our holistic approach addresses not only the economic dimensions of poverty but also the health disparities that often accompany it.
“Over the past decades, LAPO has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at uplifting disadvantaged communities.
“LAPO has provided microfinance services to empower women, youth, and small-scale entrepreneurs. By facilitating access to financial resources, we have enabled individuals to improve their livelihoods and, by extension, their health outcomes”, she said.
She assured that the organisation would continue to engage with communities to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options and ensuring that information is accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Earlier, Jedafe Diane, the Matron/ Chief Nursing Officer, New Era Clinic said that LAPO in conjunction with the Clinic decided to provide free cervical cancer screening and sensitization programme for mothers on the danger of breast and cervical cancers.
Diane, said statistics revealed that more women are dying of breast and cervical cancer owing to poor knowledge about the disease.
She enlightened the women about the danger inherent in late detection of breast and cervical cancer, adding that early detection is key to tackling the disease.
“We always advise our mothers to be coming for free cancer screening at least twice in a year in this facility as LAPO is supporting the clinic in carrying out free cancer screening.
“Breast Screening can be done by oneself at home by checking for any abnormal growth, bleeding in the breast
“Regular screening can help to detect Human Papillomavirus (HPV), an infection that causes warts on various parts of the body, depending on the strain and this can be quickly frozen so as to make it inactive.
“For prevention, we must maintain personal hygiene, regular check up, proper treatment of Virginia infection”, she stated.
Some of the women which include
Gift Osariemen, Ugochukwu Nzebube and Cynthia Ajayi in an interview commended the management of LAPO and the hospital for the free screening and sensitization.
While noting that this was their first time of screening for cervical cancer, they, assured that they will not only make the screening regular which is twice a year but would also take the message to other women.
They, however, urged LAPO and the hospital to sustain the programme for the health benefit of women.
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