By Justina Auta
An NGO, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, on Monday stressed the need for early detection and treatment for increased chances of survival for children with cancer.
The Chief Volunteer and Founder of the organisation, Ms Oluwakemi Adekanye, gave this advice in an interview in Abuja.
Adekanye, expressed worry over the lack of awareness and hope for children suffering from cancer disease, urging all stakeholders to join in the advocacy.
According to her, the Foundation carried out sensitisation exercise in some selected communities, fun parks and recreational centres in the FCT including Jabi Lake to create more awareness.
She said the exercise was in preparation for their upcoming event, Walk of Hope for children fighting cancer on Sept. 24.
“During our interactions with members of the public, it was obvious that childhood Cancer is still very strange to so many people.
“Sadly, it is real, and we need to know, we all need to be informed, we all need to get involved as awareness is key in this fight against childhood cancer.
“One of the major challenges we face is as a result of lack of awareness and hope to change that.
“Awareness will result to early detection and diagnosis with an increased chance of survival,” she said.
The founder, therefore urged the governments to prioritise cancer treatment, especially childhood cancer to enable families afford it’s treatment.
She also encouraged the public to ensure regular medical checkup and seek medical attention, when necessary to avoid health complications.
