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Over 200 IDPs Benefit from NCFRMI, Cormode Cancer Foundation Cancer Awareness Initiative for women, Girls in FCT

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By Joel Ajayi


More than 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) participated in a cancer awareness campaign organized by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) in collaboration with the Cormode Cancer Foundation. The initiative aimed to educate young people about cancer prevention and early detection.


During the awareness program held for IDP women and girls at the Durumi IDP camp, Tijani Aliyu, the Federal Commissioner for the Commission, emphasized that the initiative would enhance the health and well-being of displaced persons, reduce the stigma associated with cancer, and empower young people to become advocates for cancer awareness.


“When you provide information, you provide knowledge for the younger generation at an early stage, which means 50% of the problem is being solved,” Aliyu stated. “That’s why we have chosen to focus on children. Cancer is a deadly disease, and this awareness initiative aims to equip young people with the understanding they need about what cancer is.”


He added, “I hope the knowledge we impart today will help our children better understand cancer. We will not stop here; we have over 100 campaigns across the nation, and we will ensure that IDPs and refugees benefit from this opportunity.”


Aliyu commended the Cormode Cancer Foundation for their partnership, which aligns with the Commission’s goal of improving the health and well-being of displaced persons. 


“We are delighted to partner with the Cormode Cancer Foundation to address the critical issue of cancer awareness in our IDP camps and host communities. By educating the youth about cancer, we aim to foster a healthier future and reduce the stigma associated with this disease.”


He, however said that the commission will not spare any resources toward well being of IDPs, Refugees in the Country: “We are not going to stop here,we have more than 100 IDPs across the nations, we will make sure that we cover all to ensure the IDPs and Refuge benefit from this opportunity.”


In her address, Dr. Denise Ejoh, founder of the Cormode Cancer Foundation, explained that the project is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer, particularly in vulnerable communities. “If we don’t teach children early about cancer, who will inform them when they or their communities are affected? Currently, one in two people will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide,” she remarked.


Dr. Ejoh continued, “This campaign is now a global initiative, encouraging better knowledge of cancer among everyone. If you teach children, they will educate their parents. Teaching children about cancer can significantly improve their ability to recognize it early if it arises in their lives.”


During the event, the Cormode Foundation launched the Cormode Cancer Champions Clubs in secondary schools across the country to further educate young people about cancer prevention and early detection. Dr. Ejoh revealed that the clubs will serve as platforms for disseminating critical information, providing emotional support, and fostering a community of informed and proactive individuals.

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Nigeria must be intentional in health system approaches- Pate

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The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has emphasised the need for Nigeria to be more intentional in its health system approaches to tackle health challenges.

He made the statement at the Society for Family Health’s (SFH) 40th-anniversary celebration and book presentation in Abuja on Tuesday.

Pate, represented by Mr Chinedu Moghalu, highlighted the importance of proactive and strategic actions to ensure the health of all Nigerians.

He noted that global health challenges, such as pandemics and healthcare inequities, required more intentional approaches.

“This is not the time for reactive measures; instead, we must take proactive, strategic action to ensure the health and wellbeing of all Nigerians.

“Intentionality serves as both a reflection on our past achievements and a roadmap for future progress.

“Over the past 40 years, we have learned valuable lessons that will guide our efforts to address the health challenges of today and tomorrow.

“As we strive to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), reduce maternal mortality, and build stronger health systems, the Society for Family Health (SFH) will remain a vital partner in Nigeria’s health transformation.”

He emphasised the importance of local ownership and community-driven health interventions.

He added that the partnerships have enabled SFH to achieve remarkable progress in areas such as HIV prevention, malaria control, and reproductive health.

“What makes SFH’s partnership model unique is its focus on local ownership.

“SFH has partnered not only with international organisations but also with state and local governments, ensuring that health interventions are rooted in local contexts and driven by the communities they serve.

“This approach has been critical in ensuring that healthcare solutions are effective and sustainable in the long term.”

He commended the organisation’s ability to operate in Nigeria’s most challenging regions, providing healthcare in conflict-affected areas in the Northeast and building health resilience in the Northwest.

Looking ahead, Pate emphasised the importance of partnerships in implementing the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).

SFH’s Managing Director, Dr Omokhudu Idogho, reflected on the organisation’s 40-year journey, highlighting its commitment to partnership, strong guidance, and leadership.

He noted that SFH had been renewing itself internally to respond to emerging challenges.

“We achieved this by acquiring the necessary talent, revising and developing internal systems that are more resilient and responsive to emerging challenges, and building new capabilities.

“We began by focusing on family planning, and as HIV emerged, we developed new capabilities to address it.

“When maternal mortality became a pressing issue, we again adapted and built new capabilities to address this challenge.”

Idogho shared SFH’s vision to continue innovating in areas such as supply chain, human resources for health, data systems, and health financing.

He added that capability was also being built on a public-private model for service delivery.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Society for Family Health (SFH) is a pan-African non-governmental organization founded in 1983 by Prof. Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Malam Dahiru Wali, and Justice Ifeyinwa Nzeako.

(NAN)

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