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From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Gombe State Chapter of Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) has extended its campaign on breast and cervical cancer awareness to churches and mosques across the state, urging women to embrace regular screening and vaccination as part of preventive measures against the deadly diseases.
Speaking during a sensitisation outreach at the Hospital Chapel of the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe, Dr Fatima Bakari, a registrar in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a member of MWAN, said the campaign aims to enlighten women on the importance of early detection and prevention.
She explained that breast and cervical cancers remain among the leading causes of death among women globally, noting that awareness and timely medical action are vital to reducing mortality. “We want women to be conscious of their bodies and know that early detection saves lives. Once symptoms appear, it often means the disease has begun to spread,” Dr Bakari stated.
According to her, MWAN commenced its month-long activities toward the end of October to mark the annual breast and cervical cancer awareness campaign, extending the exercise into November to reach more women across the state. The association, she added, has visited schools, markets, mosques, and churches to educate women and girls on preventive measures.
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Dr Bakari emphasised that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer, is now part of Nigeria’s national immunisation schedule and is available free for children between the ages of 9 and 14 in health facilities nationwide.
She further advised young girls to practise safe sex and undergo routine screening every three years once sexually active. “Awareness and screening are the key to survival. There is hope if the disease is detected early,” she said.
In her remarks, Barrister Martha Daniel, a member of the Hospital Chapel, commended MWAN for the initiative, describing it as an eye-opener. “Many people mix spirituality with myths in healthcare. Their visit has clarified several misconceptions and reminded us that both science and faith have their rightful roles in promoting health,” she noted.
MWAN said the campaign, being held in collaboration with the North-East Development Commission (NEDC), will continue across the state to ensure more women access screening, vaccination, and life-saving information.
