By Chukwudi Nwauba :
The Anambra State Government has declared war on Cervical, Breast Cancer and as well rolled out preventive measures to tackle the disease across the state.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said that the State Government through his Ministry has partnered with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) to screen and treat five thousand women free of charge against Cervical Cancer.
“It is important for the public to also know that the wife of the governor, Dr. Mrs Nonye Soludo is the Cervical Cancer Champion in the state.
“The newly commissioned Mammography Centre at Onitsha General Hospital by the wife of the governor was built, donated by the Total Energies Upstream Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), partners; SAPETRO and CNOOC.
“This Mammography centre will help in detecting the breast cancer as well as help reduce the increasing number of deaths among women which result from late detection of the disease.’’
Dr. Obidike said this while responding to questions from newsmen on the State government effort to tackle the disease in Awka.
According to him, the newly-installed mammography machine at Onitsha General Hospital, which was constructed and equipped for the government and people of the state, has the capacity to take up to one hundred and twenty examinations per day.
He assured that the facility is affordable, will be fully utilized and properly maintained, urging women from 35 years of age and above to make good use of the centre.
The commissioner said that some of the recently employed Radiographers by the State would be posted to the centre to assist the experienced radiographer, Dr. Ibekwe in managing the centre.
He explained that the facility is not a money making venture but would be very much affordable so as to take care of the mammogram screening needs of women in the state.
“We are eternally grateful to Gov. Charles Soludo led administration, and wife for their passion in health as well as for providing an enabling environment and fulfilling counterpart agreements with partners in the state.
“So, screening tests and treatment will be done at Onitsha, Enugwu-Ukwu, Ekwulobia, and Umueri General Hospitals and some designated Primary HealthCare Centres including hard-to-reach areas of the state.
“15 medical doctors have been trained, they are also master trainers and in turn, will train other health personnel across the state.”
The Information Officer reports from Ministry of Health, Anambra State
