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Okapi Children Cancer Foundation calls on the Nigerian government for subsidized childhood cancer treatment and better disease awareness. During a medical outreach in Abuja, founder Kemi Adekanye emphasized the need for pediatric inclusion in health funds. The foundation has supported over 200 children since 2017 and aims to raise awareness about cancer signs. Survivors urge for governmental support to reintegrate into society.

Okapi Children Cancer Foundation (OkapiCCF) recently urged the Nigerian Federal Government to subsidize childhood cancer treatment and integrate it into the National Health Insurance scheme. This plea was emphasized by founder Kemi Adekanye during a medical outreach in Gidan Magoro, Abuja, where stakeholders gathered to discuss pressing health issues affecting children suffering from cancer.

Adekanye highlighted the need for more government involvement in the fight against childhood cancer, pointing out that current health funds exclude pediatric cases. “The government should be more involved in childhood cancer. There’s a cancer health fund, but children are not included in it,” she said. Increasing awareness about the disease is crucial, she emphasized, explaining that many people are unaware that children can develop cancer.

Adekanye expressed concern over the lack of knowledge regarding the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer. According to her, early detection is vital and could significantly improve survival rates. “If awareness improves, the chances of children surviving cancer will be much higher,” she added. Since starting the foundation in 2017, OkapiCCF has supported over 200 children diagnosed with cancer in various hospitals in Abuja.

She urged parents to be vigilant and seek medical attention for any health concerns involving their children. “Parents are empowered to watch for warning signs. When a cancer diagnosis is confirmed, we do all we can to help the child survive,” Adekanye remarked, noting their outreach programs have led to better awareness in communities like Dutse.

Dr. Patrick Eze, Medical Director at Silver Cross Hospital, highlighted the outreach’s critical role in disease screening. He mentioned a case that illustrates this need, saying, “During the screening, we detected a woman with a breast mass, which shows the importance of such outreaches and the need to access medical healthcare services.”

On a related note, survivor Mariam Salami spoke of the financial burdens faced by those recovering from cancer. “The journey has been challenging. Survivors frequently travel for treatment, and drug prices keep skyrocketing. I have spent more than N20 million on treatments,” she lamented. Salami encouraged government support to help reintegrate survivors back into society, as many struggle to maintain employment post-recovery.

Community leader Musa Mogaji voiced his appreciation for the healthcare outreach. He said, “I appreciate the organizers for choosing my community. This is the first time we have had such an event here.” Mogaji understands the importance of early diagnosis, saying he would continue to promote this message locally.

The outreach also included free health checks, eye exams, and distributing relief materials to children, showcasing the foundation’s comprehensive approach to tackling childhood cancer and improving community health.

The Okapi Children Cancer Foundation is advocating for better government support for childhood cancer treatment in Nigeria. With only a limited education surrounding the disease, founder Kemi Adekanye stresses the importance of increasing awareness and early detection. Through outreach initiatives, the foundation has reached numerous families, urging greater community involvement and assistance for pediatric cancer patients. Overall, there’s a pressing need for improved funding and resources to enhance care for these vulnerable children.

Sumber Asli: gazettengr.com