DOVE-HAVEN FOUNDATION LAUNCHES GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR ELIMINATION OF CERVICAL CANCER

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DOVE-HAVEN FOUNDATION LAUNCHES GLOBAL STRATEGY FOR ELIMINATION OF CERVICAL CANCER

Dove-Haven Foundation (DHF), a Nigeria based non-governmental organisation working towards cancer reduction, has partnered with the Osun State Government to organise a programme aimed at putting an end to cervical cancer.

The event was in corroboration of the launch of the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The strategy, which was launched on Tuesday November, 2020, was geared towards achieving the 90:70:90 targets set by WHO to eradicate cervical cancer globally by the year 2030.

The event was symbolised with the lightning of the Bristol Foundation Tower at the Bristol garden, Olaiya, Osogbo, Osun State, attracted dignitaries and medical experts.

In his welcome address, the convener and Executive Director of Dove-Haven Foundation, Dr Ekundayo Samuel, expressed his concerned about the threat that cervical cancer is posing, and also the several damages it would continue to cause if nothing is done.

According to Samuel, the purpose of our gathering here today is that, we are joining other stakeholders in the world to launch the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer by the year 2030.

”Currently in Nigeria, despite the inaccurate statistics, we still know that breast and cervical cancer accounts for over 50% of all cancer in women.

”However, cervical cancer-related death is still more than 10,000 yearly with an annual incidence of approximately 15,000 cases”, he said.

The DHF executive director further stressed that the statistics was still alarming, saying this collaboration would make it possible for the quick elimination of the scourge in Osun state.

In his remarks, the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Osun State, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, commended Dove-Haven Foundation for the good work, and promised that the government through his the Ministry of Health would always be available to help at all times in the fight against cervical cancer.

In his words, “I want to thank everybody, especially the World Health Organisation for their effort in deciding a way to ending cervical cancer in the world because it is something that truly can be eradicated.

”As a state, we would collaborate with any organisation such as Dove-Haven Foundation that are committed to ending cervical cancer in our state.

”Osun state is committed with the backing of our leader, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in making sure that everyone enjoys good health”.

In his goodwill message, Dr Siji Olamiju, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, thanked the organisers for bringing the event to Osun State.

According to him, the scourge of cervical cancer is huge in our society as it affects all female including our daughters, wives and mothers.

”I want to use this opportunity to thank the Dove-Haven Foundation and other foundations across the globe waging war against cervical cancer”, Olamiju said.

The Director, Public Health, Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr Adepoju Gbenga, expressed his optimism towards the awareness against cervical cancer.

He said: ”If we can end Polio in Nigeria, this is achievable, I believe it can be prevented. Let us all join hands together to support this organisation”.

Dr Abayomi Oni, Director Medical Services, Hospital Management Board, Osun State also assures the Foundation of their support whenever needed.

Dr Adefila A.V, Consultant Family Physician LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, and Dr Sekinah Bola-Oyebamiji, gynae-oncology unit, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, both reiterated the need to eradicate cervical cancer as women do not in most cases enjoy life at the later stages of their lives due to death or pain from this disease.

The Hon. commissioner for Health, Osun State, Dr Rafiu Isamotu officially launched the awareness and action plan, which was beautifully lit with teal green colour on the Bristol Fountain Tower located at the centre of the state capital. The inscription on the monument largely reads: “END CERVICAL CANCER”.

The launch programme was also supported by Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results, Iyanu Ni Oluwa Pharmacy and Baby Mart, Favoured Emmanuel Health Care Limited, Osogbo, Bristol Garden and Park, Osogbo, and Victory Montessori Int’l School, Osogbo


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