Lady Pharmacists Screen Women, Girls For Cancer In Rivers
6 min read
Edith CHUKU
As part of her efforts to ensure a cancer-free society, the Association of Lady Pharmacists ALPs, Rivers State chapter, has organized a free cervical and breast cancer screening for women and girls in the state.
The exercise held on Wednesday at the Creek Road New Market and Our Lady of Fatima College Port Harcourt, respectively, was in collaboration with the Association of Lady Pharmacists national, and in partnership with Engraced Life Foundation and Clinton Health Access Initiative.
No fewer than 200 female staff of the school, including women trading and residing within the Creek Road New Market were screened of both breast and cervical cancer, while girls and older students whose parents gave their consent had breast screenings.
The programme at Our Lady of Fatima College featured a cultural dance and choir presentation by the students, a goodwill message by the senior prefect-Lenora Orukpe, health talk, an interactive session, the screening and presentation of free multi-vitamins, drinks, biscuits and other items to the students.
The special guest of honour was the deputy governor of the state, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Research and Development, Mrs. Cordelia Peterside.
Others present at the event were the ALPs’ national chairman, Scholastica M Lan, who was represented by the immediate past national chairman-Victoria Ukwu, Our Lady of Fatima College Principal, Fidelia Mary, Joy Roberts, Doris Tams Morrison, Atonye Cookey-Gam, Boma Jack, Sandra Nwanochie, Chinwe Leonard-Alika, Mercy Nsijilem-Woke and several others.
Speaking during the event, the deputy governor commended the association for organising the cancer awareness programme and screening women and girls for cervical and breast cancer in the state.
Odu while expressing government’s commitment to girl child education and issues concerning women said, “on the part of government, it’s not new that government is doing alot in this regard. All you are saying is that government should do more so that you can add more capacity in what you are doing.
“You have always tried and we don’t know how to say thank you. The deputy governor feels highly elated to have women like this doing this at this time.
“I have noted all you said but fortunately our dear mother, the deputy governor has been doing all of that. It didn’t start today, even as commissioner she did alot for the girls and women.
“She is doing the needful today so we shouldn’t be afraid, all we need do is to pray for her so that she will continue in that capacity.
She further encouraged the pupils of Our Lady of Fatima College to, “stay focused and have self-control”
In her address, the ALPs state chairman, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Odom explained that the exercise was in commemoration of this year’s World Cancer Awareness Day celebrated annually, on February 4.
She explained that this year’s theme tagged “Together, we challenge those in power” borders around the global demands for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care.
According to her, “today, the Association of Lady Pharmacists, Rivers State Chapter and National recognize the power of working together and we know that every single one of us has the ability to make a difference, no matter how big or small if we set out to achieve that.
“According to the statistics from World Health Organization, In 2020 alone, approximately 1.1 million new cases occurred in our continent with around 700,000 deaths, of which 50% of these new cases are due to breast, Cervical, prostate, colorectal and liver cancers.
“Cancer mortality or death rate has also been projected by WHO, to reach about one million deaths per year by 2030 in Africa, if urgent measures are not taken. Essentially, cancer for the benefit of those who are not aware, is a disease in which abnormal body cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissues, it is caused by changes in the Deoxyribonucleic Acid, popularly called the DNA, in sections called the genes.
“Therefore, we challenge all to action. We commend the progress made so far in cancer prevention and palliative care in Rivers State by His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s led administration and we know that he is set to do more by: 1) Investing more funds in research for a cure. 2)Vaccination for the good people of Rivers State especially the vulnerable who cannot afford access to basic health care. 3) Making more diagnosis and treatment therapies available to affected persons and their families at low costs.
“To every citizen of Rivers State, we cannot over emphasize the benefits of early detection. cancer can be prevented and controlled through screenings, early detection, vaccination and avoiding risk factors, both the modifiable and the specifics that can predispose you to cancer. Always seek the counsel of your licensed Health care provider to know more.
“I will end by saying, Let us all create a future without cancer. The time to act is now and its more than just celebrating a day. Lady Pharmacists choose this moment to say honour the dead, admire the survivors and support the fighters of this deadly disease. To the fighters and their loved ones, you are not alone, ALPs stand with you and by you. Together, we are stronger than cancer and we will beat cancer. To others, stay aware, go for regular screenings, get vaccinated, do your best and together we all can create a cancer free State and Nation”
Speaking of the association, Odom explained that Lady Pharmacists popularly known as ALPs are, “female Pharmacists practicing in Nigeria and Diaspora who have come together to advance professionalism through Advocacies, Research and Development, Improving Maternal and Child Health in partnership with the Government and other well-meaning Agencies. We were inaugurated 38 years ago and exist in the 36 States of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.”
In an exclusive interview with TNN, the state coordinator of Engraced Life Foundation, Joy Roberts stated that, “we all know how breast cancer has been killing our women and they are not educated or enlightened about it. The goal is to give back to the community by educating them, providing free breast screening for them so that they know how to examine themselves at home and know that when there is a lump you don’t have to be scared, go to the hospital.”
She appealed to the women that participated to, “go back and enlighten their sisters, daughters, co-wives, aunties and mothers. From the question and answer session we are happy to see that they were really following and they are happy that this kind of programme was set up. If you are screened and you have breast cancer don’t be scared, it’s not a death sentence, the next step is that you go to the hospital.”
The Principal of Our Lady of Fatima College, Fidelia Mary and the Senior Prefect, Lenora Orukpe, also expressed appreciation to the association for the health talk, awareness and free breasts and cervical screening for the students and teachers.
Fidelia said, “we are highly honoured to have you in our school to mark world cancer day. Your visit will bring relief to girls and women and inspire them to become credible women and work to attain greater heights.”
