Posted by Ubong ASSAM Jnr.


As cases of childhood cancer soar astronomically in Nigeria, the Akanimo Cancer Foundation has made a compelling case for collaborative funding and heightened awareness.

The Foundation which was birthed through a sad case of cancer on a 10-year old boy in 2017, said the fastest way to combat, childhood cancer is early detection, prompt medical care and widespread awareness.

Speaking at the end of an awareness walk by Akanimo Cancer Foundation to mark the International Childhood Cancer Day in Uyo on Thursday, the foundation which spoke through Mrs Emem Mendie said it has so far sponsored seven children for treatment, and five were presently being sponsored.

She said the walk which was carried out simultaneously in Kano, Abuja. Lagos, Uyo and Port Harcourt was designed to raise the awareness that children also get cancer.

"Today is International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. It holds every February 15, all over the world. There is a huge need for the acknowledgement of this reality. It should be known that cancer is a disease, it can be treated and it can be cured especially in children because if people do not even believe it is a disease, how will they show up for treatment?Every child deserves a chance at living life at its fullest". The foundation stated.

The Foundation said its aim is to reach every mother, father and child and to let them know that sometimes the body cells can malfunction and fail to grow the way they are supposed to, and they cause problems for humans, even children.

"It happens to adults and it happens to children too. Since inception 2 years ago. Akanimo cancer foundation has sponsored 7 children for treatment. 5 presently". The Foundation reported.

To further alert parents on symptoms of childhood cancer, it listed ; unusual persistent pain including headaches, long lasting fevers including low grade fevers with or without vomiting, change of eye colour /whiteness of the eye, swelling in part of the body that won't go down, persistent constipation and/or bellyache, and persistent tiredness/fatigue.

The foundation therefore cautioned parents against smoking or letting people smoke around their children, it also advised parents to ensure to get HPV vaccines, yearly medical checkup for all family members and if in doubt, get a second opinion on medical examination.

Also speaking on Childhood Cancer, a Pediatrician in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Dr Lovina Ekpo called on the Federal and State Government to make budgetary provision for cancer funding, especially for children, as cost of treatment is far beyond to reach of a common Nigerian.

She also called on Government across levels to provide research grants in childhood cancer to assist Nigeria step up survival rate among child victims in the country.

She advised parents to make hospitals their first point of contact if symptoms such as fever, bone pains, bleeding gum and others persist.

While commending Akanimo Cancer Foundation for its support for victims of childhood cancer and for creating the awareness, she also called on other public spirited individuals to join in driving the advocacy to rural communities across the country.