Pricillia Otti, the wife of Abia State Governor, has provided N10 million in support of the treatment for three underprivileged female cancer patients in the state, renewing their hope for survival.
Mrs. Otti made the announcement during her keynote address at the 2024 Cancer Awareness Day in Umuahia, the state capital, where she highlighted the heavy financial burden faced by cancer patients and their families.
At the event, she pledged that her office would offer free mammogram and Pap smear screenings to 50 randomly selected women.
“Now more than ever, it is crucial that we join forces to create a healthier, cancer-free future for our communities,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of early detection and prevention in combating cancer.
She called for collective action from individuals, families, and communities to fight the disease.
The state’s Health Commissioner, Enoch Uche, remarked that one in five people would likely develop cancer in their lifetime, with one in eight men and one in 11 women being affected by the disease.
He described cancer as an “ageless disease of humanity” that continues to devastate communities globally.
He also warned that the incidence of cancer could increase by over 85% in the next 15 years, stressing the need for greater awareness and affordable treatment options to reverse the alarming trend.
Earlier, Princess Agomuo, the state’s Director of Public Health, noted that the event reflected Abia State’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of the time.
