NAN: Federal Ministry to support NGOs to sensitize women on dangers of cancers

By: Sunkanmi Onifade , News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

Original Source: Click HERE.

May 22nd, 2020

The Ministry of Women Affairs on Friday pledged to support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to sensitise Nigerian women on the dangers of breast and cervical cancers.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, made the pledge, while receiving COVID-19 protective materials from an NGO, OCI Foundation, in Abuja (Nigeria). Tallen appreciated the organisation’s support to collaborate with the ministry and their selfless services in the advocacy for girls, women on cervical and breast cancers.

“The mandate of the ministry is to empower women and children resulting from crisis, humanitarian situations and indeed COVID-19 pandemic currently ravaging the world. “I commend your efforts; what you are doing is in line with the UN advocacy for the “He for She” as women cannot do it alone, we appreciate,” the minister said.

She, however, said that the ministry would continue to support the NGO morally and technically, in programming and advancing the course of women and vulnerable groups in the country. Tallen said the ministry was committed to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to promote welfare and rights of vulnerable groups to access preventive and quality healthcare services.

Earlier, the Head of Advocacy of the Foundation, Mr Sam Agwa, said that their visit was to solicit the support of the ministry on their promotion initiative. According to Agwa, the initiative seeks to introduce anti-breast and anti-cervical cancer teachings into the curriculum of all Nigerian senior secondary schools. “It also creates anti-cancer awareness for our women and children in ways that facilitate early empowerment,” he said.

Agwa also said the presentation of anti-COVID-19 materials, including hand sanitisers, handwashing soaps and customised face masks from the OCI Foundation, was to support the ministry as the workers are gradually resuming duty. “We also join the Federal Government and other healthcare leaders in calling on every Nigerian to practice preventive measures including safe social distancing, regular handwashing and sanitising, wearing of face masks, and staying indoors as much as possible,” he said.