Women in Ekiti State have been charged to make themselves available for cervical cancer screening programme going on in ten designated public health facilities across the state.
Ekiti State Governor’s wife, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji gave the charge in Ado Ekiti during an advocacy visit to Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital to sensitise women for free cervical cancer screening.
The governor’s wife itemized the designated health institutions to include; Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, Federal Teaching Hospital Ido Ekiti, specialist hospitals in Ido, Ijero, Ikere, Ikole as well as Comprehensive Health centres in Okeisa in Ado Ekiti, Ilawe, Ijan, Aramoko, and Otun Ekiti.
She explained that government had demonstrated commitment to eradication of cancer in the state by collaborating with development partners like world health organization to conduct the free screening programme.
Dr Olayemi said five thousand women have been targeted to be beneficiaries of the gesture while adequate equipment for the screening had also been provided for the people.
“The scourge is not a death sentence; it can be cured if deleted early. We have to therefore join hand together to fight the hydra- headed monster by educating people on the myths, misconception and misinformation surrounding Cancer” she added.
Earlier, the state commissioner for Health and Human services, Dr Oyebanji Filani who was represented by the permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs Olabisi Arogundade said Cancer remains the enemy of mankind saying early detection would enhance the treatment and reduce the risk of deaths.
Also the Chief Medical Director, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Kayode Olabanji commçended the effort of the state government by coming up with life saving initiative but berated the attitude of those shying away from making themselves available for detection and treatment.
Guest speaker at the gathering who doubles as the coordinator, Aduni Olayinka diagnostic cancer center, Mrs Funke Adetoye Said those engaging in multiple sex and early exposure to sexual habits could make people suceptible to cervical cancer.