The Akanimo Cancer Foundation and the NNPC Foundation have successfully launched a pioneering initiative, the first-ever rural childhood cancer sensitization and free eye screening programme, in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom state.
The launch which took place at the Etim Ekpo Model Healthcare Centre, brought critical health awareness and services to children aged 1 to 18 in the community and surrounding areas.
Its national coordinator, Dr. Idorenyin Usoh, noted that the collaboration, in commemoration of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (CCAM), underscores a commitment to bridging the gap in pediatric health access in rural Nigeria, where a lack of awareness and timely diagnosis severely impacts survival rates.
According to the coordinator, the program saw over 1,000 children from Etim Ekpo, Ika, Abak, Ibiono, and Uyo Local Government Areas benefit from free eye screenings, with the Akanimo Cancer Foundation pledging to support the treatment costs for those issued referral notes to major hospitals.
“The genesis of the Akanimo Cancer Foundation stems from a deeply personal tragedy, Dr. Idorenyin Usoh,” explained.
“Akanimo Cancer Foundation is a Childhood Cancer Nonprofit, Non-governmental organization formed out of grief occasioned by the loss of our 12-year-old son to cancer. He died on Christmas Day 2019 and his death birthed in us a passion to fight to save Nigerian Children from the rising scorch of cancer.”
Dr. Usoh highlighted the grim reality of childhood cancer in the country, noting a significant disparity in outcomes.
“Among the diagnosed, the childhood cancer survival rate in Nigeria is just about 20% compared to over 80% in high-income countries. Even more sadly, many die undiagnosed. This is not because childhood cancer is more aggressive in Nigeria, but because access to timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and supportive care are a privilege and not a right. As a grassroot organization working among these families daily, we boldly state that childhood cancer is a silent crisis in Nigeria.”
He emphasized the pivot to rural communities as a strategic move to deepen impact.
“Having successfully implemented awareness programs in some of Nigerian’s major cities and connected deeply with the public, we realized the need to reach farther, deeper and engage children and families in the rural communities. We are not only here to give them knowledge; we are here to plant in them a powerful belief that childhood cancer is not a death sentence but a battle that can be won.”
NNPC Foundation’s Commitment to Health and SDGs
The NNPC Foundation, the social impact arm of NNPC Limited, expressed its dedication to supporting healthcare initiatives that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Managing Director, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, represented by Mrs. Eno Okon, stressed the importance of inclusive health support.
“At NNPC Limited, we believe that Health is a critical factor in social development, which is why we are proud to support this programme, because every child, regardless of background or geography, deserves a chance at life, at health, and at hope.”
She reinforced the critical nature of the rural outreach.
“It is pertinent that we do not allow geography, income, or access to basic information hinder a child’s chances of survival, which is why this rural sensitisation is timely and critical. The NNPC Foundation is especially moved to see this happening in a rural community like Etim Ekpo, because it reminds us that impact must be inclusive in our cities and in our villages.”
Early Detection is Key
Dr. Uche Nwokwu, National Coordinator of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, lauded the collaboration and reiterated the Federal Government’s pledge to support such initiatives.
“I bring you greetings from the Federal Ministry of Health and to pledge the commitment of the federal government to this kind of projects which we are preaching early detection, early detection and we say that early detection saves lives.”
Dr. Nwokwu highlighted a fundamental difference between adult and childhood cancers, underscoring the necessity of early diagnosis for successful treatment.
“The only way cancer can be properly treated is when they are detected early. Now cancer generally in children are not preventable, unfortunately… So that means what children need most are early detection. So once they are picked up early, incidentally their own cancers are usually even curable if they are picked up early and the treatment commenced properly.”
He also spoke about government efforts to improve access to care.
“The federal government has also taken steps to ensure that children’s cancers are properly captured in our national policy documents and are taking steps to improve access to cancer treatment. So we now partner with the World Health Organisation, what we call the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer Care. So that is going to be providing subsidised cancer treatment for children.”
Echoing the call for vigilance, Dr. Iniobong Okon Udoh, a pediatrician at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, urged parents to seek medical help immediately upon noticing specific symptoms.
“Why i am here is because we have seen a lot of cancer patients where i work. I am here to tell you that cancer of the children exist. Sadly we cannot really pinpoint the things that trigger cancer in children unlike the adults. The good news is that if it is detected early and access to care is given, the child can be cured 80% of the time.”
Local Government Appreciates Social Intervention
The host community, represented by the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Hon. Udosen Monday, expressed gratitude for the intervention.
“This is a good social intervention for the people of Etim Ekpo Local Government and I welcome this. I really want to appreciate you for this programme, because without health, these children cannot go to school,” he said.
