By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
A Non-governmental organization (NGO),
Fati’Imma Ansary Cancer Care Foundation and Gender-Based Violence has called on the womenfolk to come out for a free test for cancer in order to know their status.
The Founder of the NGO, Hajj. Fatimah MK Sani made the call Sunday during an interactive session with the Press men in Bauchi, saying that every woman, especially childbearing woman is supposed to undergo the test to know her status.
She expressed regret that despite the Foundation’s persistent calls for the free test, most women don’t bother about the test until a problem develops from the body, as it is there, then a woman start looking for the service of their foundation.
Fatima Sani recalled that during their recent two outing advocacy, they were able to conduct test on over 240 women, with 8 of the figure having symptoms of different types of cancer, who were after the test invited to the Specialist Hospital, Bauchi to see Doctor or a Consultant.
Fatimah Sani revealed that there are about 100 different types of cancer, but the Foundation is concerned with those affecting childbearing women, and they don’t bother much to test women of 60 years and above, most of whom are not fertile to conceive.
According to her, “We also conduct test on gender violence victims where the Foundation collaborate with Lawyers that will stand in for the victims at the Court of Law uring litigation, and we commend the office of the State’s First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed for its day-to-day assistance to violence victims in the state”.
Fatima Sani added, “The Foundation also offer assistance to other violence-based victims, including women who were molested by their husbands or were divorced with children whose fathers don’t care about them, divorced with children not being taken care of by their fathers.”
“There are about 100 types of cancer, but they were concern with the cancers affecting women. These were the areas we advocate for, moving from one home to another, conducting breast and virgina tests, and drawing those with symptoms to the hospital”, Fatimah Sani lamented.
Fatima Sani also said that her NGO is committed to education of women in the efforts to reduce the burden of cancer, improve prevention, and enhance the quality of care available.
Also speaking at a cancer awareness campaign, organized in collaboration with NGO, the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajia Aisha Bala Mohammed, emphasized that cancer is not just a medical challenge, but, a human challenge requiring collective action, support, and advocacy.
She said, under her NGO, Almuhibbah Foundation, they are committed to improving healthcare access, particularly for the most vulnerable.
“Our Foundation recognizes that the fight against cancer cannot be fought in isolation. It requires collaboration, empowerment, and the unwavering support of communities,” she said.
The First Lady adds that, “Through our initiatives, we aim to ease the burdens caused by cancer and other health challenges that families face. One of our key interventions has been the provision of ambulances to ensure that people in remote areas receive timely medical attention and transportation.”
She further highlighted the Foundation’s contributions as financial support for patients, stressing,”We have made significant strides in assisting individuals financially by covering medical bills for those who cannot afford treatment, which often comes at a great financial cost. We understand that battling disease is challenging enough without the added burden of financial stress, and we are here to help alleviate that burden.”
As part of efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, she revealed that the foundation has been involved in the construction of two hospitals in Jamda and Alkaleri, expanding access to quality healthcare.
“Additionally, we have established a Sickle Cell Center at the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi to provide specialized care for individuals living with sickle cell disease, a condition that disproportionately affects many,” she noted.
According to her, “To date, we have conducted medical outreach for over 5,000 people, offering essential healthcare services such as screenings, consultations, and treatments for a wide range of conditions.”
She added that, “These outreaches have played a pivotal role in promoting early detection, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare services.”
The First Lady added that, “Furthermore, we have facilitated over 7,000 eye surgeries, restoring vision and improving the quality of life for many. For numerous patients, these surgeries have been life-changing, and we are proud to have made such an impact.”
She concluded by calling for continued collective efforts in the fight against cancer stressing that, “Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and work toward a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a disease that can be managed, treated, and ultimately defeated.”
