Niger governor's wife trains 25 health workers

Bello said this at the commencement of the programme on Wednesday in Minna.

Represented by the Project Coordinator of the foundation, Dr Ohize Stephen, she said the training had become necessary to reduce the scourge of the disease which is the second leading cause of female cancer deaths in the country.

She said that the idea was to integrate breast and cervical cancer screening into the primary health care system in the state.

“We believe strongly in strengthening the existing system and bringing in interventions into the system.

“We intend to improve the capacity of these health workers to deliver and support them and their health facilities,” she added.

The governor’s wife disclosed that the foundation would establish a cancer screening unit in each of the 25 local government areas of the state.

She said that over 35,000 females are estimated to have cancer each year in the state, with breast and cervical cancer the most common.

One of the participants, Ms Rabi Idris, applauded the foundation for the initiative, adding that it will enable them educate and mobilise the women at the grassroots.

“Cancer is very rampant now and is ravaging women in the state especially in the rural area.

“This training will help me educate and mobilise the women at the grassroots and ensure that they go for screening regularly,’’ Idris said.

Another participant, Mr Salisu Sule, described the training as an eye opener, adding that he is now better informed as he has been taught the symptoms to look out for.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the foundation was established to raise awareness and spur affirmation on issues affecting the survival and growth of women and the girl child.