Abia State’s First Lady, Priscilla Otti, marked the 2024 World Cancer Day by donating N10 million to support underprivileged cancer patients in the state. The event, held in Umuahia, aimed to raise awareness about cancer prevention and treatment while alleviating the financial burden faced by affected families. Otti emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle the rising incidence of cancer, describing it as a growing public health challenge.
Speaking during the ceremony, the First Lady stated that the donation, distributed via bank cheques, was a symbol of the state’s commitment to easing the plight of cancer patients. “We understand the financial strain that cancer treatment places on individuals and families,” she said. “This donation will help cover part of their treatment costs and provide relief in their fight against the disease.”
Otti highlighted alarming cancer statistics in Nigeria, noting that approximately 28,000 cases of breast cancer and 14,000 cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed annually. Among men, prostate and colon cancers are on the rise. She underscored the urgency of early detection and prevention, stating, “Abia State is not immune to this trend. This occasion symbolizes a call to action for every individual, family, and community to unite in combating cancer.”
The First Lady also praised recent strides in the healthcare sector while stressing that more work is needed to reverse the upward trend in cancer cases. She encouraged citizens to take proactive steps in health screening and awareness to mitigate the disease’s impact. The event also served as a platform to discuss strategies for improving healthcare access and cancer treatment in the state.
State Commissioner for Health, Enoch Uche, lauded the initiative, describing it as a milestone in the fight against cancer. He commended the First Lady’s efforts to highlight the disease’s burden and called for sustained action to make early detection, treatment, and care accessible to all.
