University of Abuja Teaching Hospital stakeholders including Chief Medical Director Professor Bissallah Ahmed Ekele and Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee Dr. Bob Ukonu pose with the Founder and CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation and new pediatric cancer awareness materials
In the USA, 90% of pediatric cancer patients survive their disease; in Africa, 90% of pediatric cancer patients die. Lack of pediatric cancer awareness, which results in late-stage diagnoses and treatment abandonment, contribute to Africa’s dismal mortality rates. To rewrite Nigeria’s pediatric cancer narrative, BVGH partnered with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) and the First Ladies Against Cancer (FLAC) to educate communities and parents about pediatric cancers and their symptoms. BVGH and FLAC designed educational brochures, posters, and flyers printed in five local languages (English, Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo). The materials were posted in UATH waiting rooms and distributed to patients and hospital visitors.
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation visited a village near Abuja to distribute the educational handouts and discuss childhood cancer symptoms and the importance of detecting cancers early with parents and their children.