As part of it’s activities to commemorate the international breast cancer awareness month, Medicaid Cancer Foundation organized a free cervical and breast cancer outreach in Takalau area of Birnin Kebbi today, Saturday 24th October 2020. Today’s outreach follows an equally successful one held in FCT yesterday. The 12 year old organization has a reputable focus in cancer control which cuts across advocacy, capacity building, screening and treatment support.

Kebbi state Lead Coordinator of the foundation, Mr Muhammed Shuaibu led the team to Takalau Community with support from the Executive Secretary of Kebbi Primary Healthcare Development Agency Dr Abubakar Kaoje who commended efforts of the foundation on its efforts in cancer control at the primary level in Kebbi state. He emphasized the importance of awareness and screening in early detection of cancers.

Also present was Hakimi of Takalau community, who received and facilitated the exercise. He expressed appreciation to the First lady of Kebbi state H.E Dr Zainab Bagudu who has through her foundation, afforded his community the chance to benefit from the initiative.

The program featured medical health talk, health awareness, screening for cervical cancer and demonstration on breast self examination with emphasis on the need for early medical screenings. Questionnaires were administered on the women to assess their attitude and level of knowledge of cancer.

A total of 180 sexually active women were screened by VIA for cervical cancer whilst over 300 were trained on self breast examination. All positive patients will be followed up for proper navigation and treatment.

Participants received gifts packages consisting of clothing, soaps and insecticide-treated mosquito nets with delight and gratitude to the foundation.

The initiative is an effort to prevent cervical and breast cancer by improving early detection through free tests and screenings which keys into the World Health Organization’s global strategy to eliminating cervical cancer by 2030.

Muhammad Mikail
Head Communications
Medicaid Cancer Foundation
24/10/2020