By Ireti Asemota.
Women in Taraba State, in collaboration with the North East Development Commission (NEDC), have launched a campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast and cervical cancer. The initiative, designed to promote early detection and prevention, was unveiled during a special event organized by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Taraba State Chapter, on Thursday in Jalingo.
Themed “Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters,” the campaign seeks to educate women about the importance of regular screenings and timely intervention in combating these deadly diseases. Dr. Echuseh Audu, President of MWAN’s Taraba Chapter, emphasized that the collaboration with NEDC marks a significant step toward improving women’s health in the region.
“This campaign is a powerful example of what can be achieved through partnerships. Together, we are committed to increasing awareness and ensuring that women have access to essential cancer screenings and healthcare services,” Dr. Audu said.
She urged women, especially those aged 50 and above, to make cancer screenings a regular part of their health routine, emphasizing that early detection can dramatically reduce the risks associated with breast and cervical cancers.
Amahdy Gagwi Tarfa, representing the NEDC, praised the initiative, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to supporting projects that benefit the health and well-being of communities in the North East.
Dr. Aisha Adamu, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Jalingo, also lauded the campaign, noting its crucial role in educating the public about early testing and the collective effort needed to reduce cancer-related deaths.
Experts at the event provided valuable information on cancer prevention and care. Dr. Maryam Musa Haruna discussed “Understanding Breast Cancer: Signs, Prevention, and Early Detection,” while Dr. Rakiya Jibril addressed “Cervical Cancer Awareness: The Role of Vaccination and Screening.”
The campaign, which will continue across Taraba’s communities, also featured personal testimonies from cancer survivors, highlighting their experiences and the importance of hope and resilience in the fight against cancer.
The awareness drive underscores the critical need for early screening, and the partnership between MWAN and NEDC serves as a model for improving women’s health across the region.
