A Group of some survivors of childhood cancer on Saturday, September 23, embarked on a walk to sensitize FCT residents on the need for early diagnosis, accessible treatment and political will to support children with the disease.
The walk was led in Abuja by an NGO known as, Okapi Children Cancer Foundation.
The foundation’s Chief Volunteer, Ms Kemi Adekanye, said the seventh annual event was to galvanize action from the government, policy makers and other stakeholders to support children with cancer.
”We are advocating and creating awareness that childhood cancer needs attention and children battling cancer need to be supported.
”Childhood cancer is everybody’s business, we all have children. No child should have to suffer from this disease, no child should lack access to treatment, so I encourage everyone to support.
Our major challenge is that of awareness,” she noted.
Adekanye, said the theme: ” Steps to Survival” drew experts to educate the public on some signs and symptoms of childhood cancer.
She disclosed that the organization has been supporting the treatment and care of children with cancer, especially those from less-privileged families in the FCT and other rural areas.
” This walk is to educate people on cancer disease and with more people being aware of the diseases, I believe more actions will be taken to support them, to have early diagnosis and treatment.
”Government needs to pay more attention to children suffering from cancer in terms of subsidized drugs, initiating policies that will support them, and access to treatment,” she said.
Also, Mrs Titilayo Adewunmi, parent of a cancer survivor said: “my son had cancer when he was barely six years old.
”But with support from this foundation, we have been able to access treatment and care. He is now cancer free and is doing well academically as he is now in secondary school.”
