Project Pink Blue (PBB), a well-known cancer care non-profit group, has set up a special steering committee for its Women Empowering Women Breast Cancer Navigation and Technology Programme (WEW-BCNaP).
The programme, supported by AstraZeneca, aims to improve breast cancer care in Nigeria by using modern technology and patient navigation systems.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, PBB’s Project Manager, Ms. Ejemole Nwanna, said the goal is to help patients and retired nurses guide women through Nigeria’s challenging healthcare system.
This will make it easier for women to get quick diagnoses, the right treatment, and better access to quality medical services in their communities.
According to her, the initiative will also promote early detection of breast cancer, reduce emotional stress, and improve treatment results.
She added that it will build a stronger culture of survival and prevention for women who are diagnosed with breast cancer in Nigeria.
Ms. Nwanna announced the members of the new steering committee.
They include Dr. Tracy Battaglia, Co-chair and Associate Director at Yale Cancer Centre, U.S., and Mrs. Olushola Akapo, a breast cancer survivor and advocate.
Other members are Mr. Runcie Chidebe, Co-chair and Executive Director of PPB Health and Psychological Trust Centre; and Dr. Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
The committee also has Monica Dean, Director of Patient Navigation Programme Development, AONN+, U.S., and Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, Founder of Breast Without Spot (BWS) and Professor of Radiation Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Additional members include Dr Uche Nwokwu of the National Cancer Control Programme; Pharm. Okwesileze Christine, President of OPPAN; and Laurie Tauriainen, Oncology Nurse Navigator at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, U.S.
Others are Dr. Maria-Chidi Onyedibe, Clinical Psychologist at the University of Nigeria; Nurse Nana-Hauwa Lawal of the National Hospital, Abuja; and Nurse Nanre Mampak, Occupational Health Nurse Manager at AMCE.
Also on the list are Mrs. Mary-Gloria Orji, President of NEPICIN, and Mrs. Oguntoyinbo Dorcas, a patient advocate and researcher.
They will provide experience in patient support and cancer advocacy.
Ms. Nwanna said she is confident that the committee’s wide range of expertise will help WEW-BCNaP meet the specific needs of Nigerian breast cancer patients.
She believes it will also bring lasting improvements to the quality of care and health outcomes for women across the country.
