Stakeholders in the Health sector, Civil Society Organizations and Students have stressed the need for adequate sensitization and education of Nigerians, especially youths, on the dangers of cancer and its preventive measures.
They commended the National Assembly for considering a Bill for an Act to introduce preventive measures and teaching of breast and cervical cancer ailments in the curriculum of senior secondary schools.
The Akwa Ibom State Coordinator of an NGO, OCI Foundation, initiators of the Bill, Dr. Regina Inem, explained that several youths are sexually active and needed adequate awareness on cancer and it’s negative impact.
She said it was already introduced in schools in Anambra State and intend to extend it to the entire country and other parts of Africa.
The President, Nigeria Cancer Society, Dr. Adamu Umar, said the OCI Foundation is a Frontline organization which they were collaborating with along with the NYSC on a nationwide plan of action tagged “Arm Our Youths Health Campaign”, on awareness creation on cancer and atrndentant ailments.
Dr. Umar explained that Corps members were being educated on information about breast and cervical cancers, and they would in turn spread the message to other Nigerians across the country.
He said it was imperative to have a proper legislative backing to the idea, adding that the wide acceptance of the OCI Breast Cervi-App
was an indication of it’s value to young people.
While commending the Bill, the Executive-Director, Nigerian Educational Research Development Council (NERDC), Prof. Ismail Juneidu, said the Bill should not be limited to only breast and cervical cancers, but all other forms of cancers.
The Representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, and Director, Legal Services, Grace Ekanem, said the ministry was ready to implement the Bill if passed into law.
Some students, Nina Nekakalapugo and Etanami Anikarem, said awareness of cancer issues was low and expressed the belief that such a Bill was vital as prevention was better than cure.
Declaring the public hearing open, the Speaker of House Of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, represented by the Deputy House Leader, Peterson Akpatason, said the legislators would sustain it’s efforts at ensuring good health for all Nigerians.
The Chairman, House Committee on Healthcare Services, Dr. Sununu Tanko, said cancer remained a major killer, stressing that intensified awareness campaign would reduce it’s spread and burden.
