Globally, October marks the breast cancer awareness month with October 29th as the World breast cancer day.
Benue state partook in this year’s advocacy as they marked the day with the “Makurdi Mega Breast Cancer Awareness Walk” organised by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter (MWAN Benue). The walk took place on the 29th of October, 2021 starting by 7am at the IBB square, Makurdi. This campaign had about 400 participants who walked through the streets of the state capital educating the communities about breast cancer prevention.
Some of the Self breast examination (SBE) tips highlighted during the event included visiting the hospital immediately when any of the following signs are noticed; any swelling in the breast, discharge or change in colour of the breast or any swelling in the armpit. Breast cancer survivors were also present to speak with the public on early detection, diagnosis and presentation. All of these information and more were passed across in different languages, including Tiv, Igede, Igbo, Idoma and English for effective communication and assimilation by the people spoken to during the walk.
In attendance was the Commissioner of Women Affairs – Mrs Tabitha Girgirahe – who fully represented Her excellency, Mrs Eunice Ortom, the first lady of Benue state. In her speech, she expressed her joy about the advocacy which was carried out by vibrant young leaders ably lead by the MWAN Benue President – Dr. Laadi Swendi. She further expressed her desire and certainty that the advocacy would continue to reach every local government of state. She then encouraged the organising body to keep up the good work and continue in their wonderful exploits. Other guests present at the awareness walk included the President, Association of Resident Doctors, Benue State University Teaching Hospital (ARD BSUTH); the Secretary general Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Benue, a Community health consultant, Dr Bitto, among others.
Also, partners for the execution and success of this mega awareness program included the Nigerian Medical Association Benue state chapter (NMA Benue), Eunice Spring of Life Foundation, Association of Resident Doctors Benue State (ARD Benue), Association of Resident Doctors FMC Makurdi, Kende Avese Foundation, Gender And Environmental Risk Reduction Initiative, Benue Breast Cancer Survivors Support Groups, Federation of Muslim Women Of Nigeria Benue state chapter, Association of Lady Pharmacists, Elohim Developments, Women health, empowerment and peace initiative, and National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwifery (NANNM) Benue with many others.
About Contributor:
Faeren Cynthia Atsehe is a final year medical student in Benue State University and an associate member of MWAN Benue. She’s currently serving as her state’s representative for NMA Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) committee and can be connected via Instagram @Faeren Atsehe & LinkedIn @Faeren Cynthia Atsehe.
