Anambra First Lady, WHO Partner To Fight Cancer, Expand Vaccination Efforts

The fight against cancer in Anambra State received a boost with a renewed partnership between the office of the First Lady, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The partnership was solidified when Soludo received representatives from WHO and staff of the state’s Ministry of Health at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, on Tuesday.

Speaking during the visit, Soludo commended the WHO for its ongoing support, particularly its involvement in the successful first phase of free cervical cancer screening and treatment within the state.

She expressed her appreciation for their commitment to supporting her upcoming breast cancer mitigation program, which aims to increase early detection rates through accessible screening opportunities.

Soludo emphasized the importance of early detection in minimizing the threat posed by breast cancer.adding that the new program aims to provide women with the chance to receive prompt checkups and, when necessary, timely treatment interventions.

Also speaking, the WHO Medical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases, Dr. Kelias Msyamboza, acknowledged Soludo’s valuable contributions to the cervical cancer initiative.

He confirmed the organisation:s commitment to supporting her programs, including the breast cancer mitigation effort, to ensure its success.

He also noted that the international organisation has also agreed to include prostate cancer screening within the program’s scope.

In his remark, WHO Coordinator for Anambra State, Dr. Mohammed Bonos, commended the First Lady’s dedication to improving the health of women and children in the state.

He announced that Anambra, along with 20 other states, has been selected for the initial rollout of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.

He appealed to Mrs. Soludo for her assistance in mobilizing the target population to ensure effective vaccination coverage.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, highlighted the positive outcomes achieved through previous collaborations with the WHO.

“These include the successful completion of the first phase of free cervical cancer screening and treatment, as well as effective childhood immunization campaigns,” he said.

Obidike praised the First Lady’s efforts in establishing robust structures for the launch of the breast cancer mitigation program.

He expressed hope that Anambra State can become a national model for effectively addressing both early detection and treatment of cancer.