FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE REALITY
Anthony
Obi Ogbo
Guardian News
In the previous issue, the first of a three-part treatise on diseases
that is presently eating up innocent souls in remote cities in Motherland
Africa, International Guardian explored in details, the consequences of
the disorder and how a group from Houston has been fighting to save lives
in areas where universal healthcare is like gold.
African Cancer Care Inc., (ACCI) and Africa Cancer Prevention Group (ACPG)
spearheading this project comprises of medical professionals, devoted
to bridging cancer care disparities in the United States of America and
Africa.
April, 2008, ACCI president, Dr. Iwuanyanwu, led a group made up of physicians,
physician assistants, pharmacists, researchers, nurses, advance practice
nurses, radiographers, community workers, educators, social workers, and
cancer survivors to Nigeria in a medical mission initiated as collaborative
efforts between the MD Anderson Cancer Care (MDACC) and Nigeria's Federal
Ministry of Health. Next quarter, the group will again bar fangs to confront
reality when it embarks on another mission to carry on its tough battle
against deadly abnormalities that persevere in these rural areas due to
lack of adequate health care.
ACCI's next cancer medical mission is scheduled for October 12 to 24th.
It will kick off with a Cancer walk-A-Thon in Abuja (Nigeria's capital)
on the 12th, followed by public education and screening in surroundings
areas for one week. From Abuja, the mission will move to Cross River State
where it will spend another week. However mobilizing corporate and local
support to accomplish this mission remains inadequate, International Guardian
gathered.
According to Dr. Iwuanyanwu, "We seek collaborators. So far, WAYEF, Breast
Cancer Foundation and Care People Foundation International are collaborating
with us on the walk-A-Thon. We are extending invitations to other NGO's
in United States and Nigeria. We also plan on inviting the private and
public sectors, including health institutions and schools. We need participation
of athletes and Youth Service Corps, or runners who are interested in
making a difference. We have prices for the first 5 to reach the finish
line." She also said, "We are still seeking sponsors for other numerous
activities relating to this course. A dollar a person from our community
will provide free screening for many." Just recently, ACCI unveiled it
calendar of events through 2009 to the public. According to the group,
a line up of life-saving events has been confirmed.
They are:
o Culture Extravaganza with Health promotion for African Americans in
Houston. February 6, 2009.
o Cancer Medical Mission - March 28 to April 10, 2009.
o Minority Cancer Awareness/Screening Day- April 25, 2009
o Juneteenth, Optimize wellness for the physically challenged in Harris
County- June 13th, 2009.
ACCI's progress so far has been impressive. International Guardian gathered
volunteers have been showing interest through the group's website. "This
is encouraging," Confirmed Iwuanyanwu. "I hope more people will visit
our site to either volunteer or support our activities if they can not
give their time. Any kind of help no matter how little goes a long way,
and I'm personally making this appeal on behalf of these poor cancer victims,"
She said.
Iwuanyanwu further made another surprise revelation that may update a
prevalent notion about the most killer diseases in Africa. She said that
"Cancer in Africa has not received any where near as much media coverage
as HIV/AIDs. But the truth is that Cancer is killing more people in Africa
than HIV/AIDs. Studies have shown that intense education and screening
can reduce late presentation and death in any culture where infrastructure
is lacking just like we have in India.
She continued, " ACCI wants to duplicate same process in Nigeria and hopefully
in other African countries. Example, the awareness educators we trained
last April in Enugu(Nigeria) are progressing according to our reports.
They are continuing the program in schools, churches and various communities.
The group at UNTH is following up on participants from other institutions
to ensure they are also implementing what they have learnt. We will keep
our sponsors updated on our progress. They will also be recognized for
their support.
In the previous report, International Guardian revealed that Breast Cancer
constitutes a major public health issue globally with over 1 million new
cases diagnosed annually, resulting in over 400,000 annual deaths, and
there are about 4.4 million women living with the ailment.
In Abia State in Nigeria where ACCI conducted a public education and screening,
the outcome was most disturbing and seems to have energized the entire
mission. In just over 3 days, the group screened 400 patients, confirmed
167 cancer cases and referred 190 to the teaching hospitals for treatment.
Majority of these patients have stage 3 and 4 breast cancer., according
to ACCI.
It was also gathered that incidence rates of this diseases are higher
in the developed countries than in the developing countries. Figures are
also higher in urban areas than in the rural areas. In Africa, where ACCI
and ACPG targets, Breast Cancer has overtaken cervical cancer as the commonest
malignancy affecting women and the incidence rates appear to be rising.
ACCI will be visiting Abuja; possibly Bauchi for a few days and definitely
Cross River State. Iwuanyanwu talked about preparations so far. "In all
honesty, we have not contacted indigenes of the areas we are visiting,
who resides here in the United States. We have focused heavily in trying
to complete plans in Nigeria. We will reach out to them. It will be great
if those of them with medical background can participate.
 |
Agony
of a 3 year old girl from Katsina, in Nigeria may produce a happy
ending if plans to fly her to Houston gets enough community support. She has been waiting for radiation to the face. Born to poor parents who cannot afford the treatment needed to save her predicament, she was discovered at the Daura General Hospital. "She is always in a lot of pain and can not stand for anyone to touch her face," said a representative of African Cancer Care Inc (ACCI) assessed this victim. Off course she does not stand a chance in life not based on what her parents can afford. ACCI and ACPG is making an emergency arrangement to bring her to Houston for treatment, and seeks community support. "I hope some one will find it in their heart to come to the rescue of this little girl, Said President, Dr. Eucharia Iwuanyanwu. For your support or more info, please contact ACCI @ 832-818-2602. Email: info@africacancercareinc.org/ |
For more information, about this mission, or please contact: African
Cancer Care, Inc, @ http://www.africacancercareinc.org
Other contact info: 6011 Telephone Road,
Houston, Texas 77087,
info@africacancercareinc.org,
phone: 832-818-2602, fax: 713-436-0055.
