Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club has delivered a 20-bed centre it built in 2020 to enhance cancer treatment to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada.
Delivery of the centre was delayed till 2021 because of the outbreak of COVID-19.
Mr Aniekan Michael, newly elected president of the club, said this at an event to mark the end of the club’s calendar year in Abuja.
He said the club paid particular attention to paediatric cancer in the past one year.
“We are taking this as a signature project; we want to make remarkable impact in this area.
“The centre is to provide world class facilities for early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
“This gesture will positively impact on humanity as paediatric cancer is a common, non-infections cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide,’’ he said.
Michael also stated that the mortality arising from the disease was traceable to the lack of early detection and management of patients.
He noted that the oncology department at UATH had been able to effectively manage its minimal space and equipment in the management of cancer patients.
He added that no fewer than 100 children afflicted by cancer had been hospitalised and treated at the UATH in the last 36 months.
“Our input to the hospital is an added advantage. We, however, await the equipping and furnishing of the paediatric centre to a full functional state,’’’ he said.
Michael urged other stakeholders to support the hospital by making donations that would make the centre optimally functional.
Also speaking, Mrs Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi, the District Governor, 404A of the Lions Club, expressed joy at the people-oriented projects being implemented by the club.
“’I founded the metropolitan club 12 years ago. I am glad to see it waxing stronger in support of humanity,’’’ she said.
She said that the club was interested in playing significant roles in the campaign against paediatric cancer and diabetes.
“Safe environment, end to hunger and sight related challenges are also of interest to us,’’’ she said.
The annual event is held to usher in a new leadership and to raise funds for the club’s projects.
Lions Club International is a humanitarian service group focusing on support for humanity.
The club also promotes understanding, good governance and good citizenship in societies.
