By Omotayo Edubi
Wife of Nigeria’s president, Aisha Buhari, has called on important stakeholders to make sustainable efforts to ensure efficient prevention and control of cancer in the country.
Mrs Buhari said this on Tuesday, during a courtesy visit by members of Nigerian Cancer Society at the State House, Abuja.
“Cancer is a global burden and a major cause of death, especially among African population because many have died of breast, cervical and prostate cancer.
“Lack of proper awareness also contributed to the raising cases of death from the cancer scourge, as a founder of Aisha Buhari foundation, I am interested in working with stakeholders to save lives,’’ she said.
She, therefore, expressed willpower to scale up awareness creation and providing support for the screening of breast and cervical cancer patients across the country.
Mrs Buhari told the gathering that, their efforts will go a long way in supporting the Federal Government`s determination towards accelerating the fight against cancer.
“Let us network, collaborate and intensify efforts in ensuring proper implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan to significantly reduce death rate in Nigeria.
“Cancer is preventable and best managed could lead to early detection and control,’’ she said.
In his remark, Dr Ahmadu Al-Hassan, President, Nigerian Cancer Society, expressed gratitude to the first lady for her continued support towards promoting the health and physical well being of women and children.
Al-Hassan said, cervical cancer was one of the diseases affecting women and girls in the country which can be prevented and cured through the use of Human Papillomavirus Vaccines (HPV).
“The vaccines are out of reach for many Nigerians, the struggle to make HPV vaccination available to all eligible teenage girls is something that is very dear to many Nigerian women.
“We are not unaware of the giant strides on the efforts towards ensuring that our young girls receive the HPV vaccines,’’ he said.
