The Oyo State Government has reiterated its commitment to putting an end to cancer by organising free breast and cervical cancer screening programme for women of reproductive age in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello, gave the reassurance on Thursday at a sensitisation programme organised by the ministry to commemorate the 2021 World Cancer Day.
The programme was held at the Ministry of Health complex at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The theme for the 2021 World Cancer Day is “I am and I will”, with a sub-theme of “’Together, All Our Actions Matter”.
Bello said that World Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness on cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
“World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on Feb. 4; the day is observed to spread awareness about one of the most common chronic diseases that can affect any part of the body.
“The World Health Organisation believes that this day is important because every year, about 76 million people die due to cancer.
“ The ultimate year of the ‘I Am and I will’ campaign (theme for 3 years 2019-2021), shows us that our action has an impact on everyone around us, within our neighborhood, communities and villages.
“At this point, it is important to note that our actions are also being felt across borders and oceans,” the commissioner stated.
He explained further that the administration of Gov. Seyi Makinde in the state had made health one of its priorities in order to transform people’s lives.
He added that the government would continue to create awareness on the preventive and curative aspects of cancer management across all the length and breadth of the state.
The commissioner maintained that the state government and Coalition of Cancer in the state, had put together a programme to be held on Feb. 6, to ensure screening services were available to communities.
“The programme is very important in cancer prevention for all women as those that will be screened will be referred for appropriate treatment,” he said.
He tasked all stakeholders in the fight against cancer in the state to remain committed to the course.
“We need your commitment to create a cancer-free world. Every action has an impact. Let us together show the world that we can, I can get involved in the fight against cancer,” he said.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Olufunmilayo Salami, said that about 500 women would benefit from the free breast and cervical screening exercise.
Salami posited that there was need to develop a culture where people would take responsibility for their health.