Bauchi Women Benefit from Free Cancer Screening Courtesy of Fati'Imma Cancer Care Foundation

By Khalid Doya Idris Bauchi 

A Non-governmental organization, Fati'Imma Ansary Cancer Care Foundation and Gender-Based Violence, has called on women in Bauchi to undergo free cancer tests to know their status. The Founder of Fati'Imma Ansary, Hajiya Fatimah MK Sani, made the call during an interview with the press in Bauchi, emphasizing that every woman, especially childbearing women, should undergo the test.

Hajj. Fatimah expressed regret that despite the foundation's persistent calls for the free test, most women don't bother about the test until a problem develops from the body. She recalled that during their recent two outings advocacy, they were able to conduct tests on over 240 women, with 8 of the figure having symptoms of different types of cancer, who were after the test invited to the specialist hospital, Bauchi to see a doctor or consultant.

Hajj. Fatimah revealed that there are about 100 different types of cancer, but the foundation is concerned with those affecting childbearing women. "We also conduct tests on gender violence victims where the foundation collaborates with lawyers that will stand in for the victims at the Court of Laws during litigation, and we commend the office of the State's First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed for its day-to-day assistance to violence victims in the state," she added.

The foundation also offers assistance to other violence-based victims, including women who were molested by their husbands or were divorced with children whose father don't care for them. "There are about 100 types of cancer, but we are concerned with the cancers affecting women. These are the areas we advocate for, moving from one home to another, conducting breast and virgina tests, and drawing those with symptoms to the hospital," Hajj. Fatimah lamented.

Hajj. Fatimah also said her NGO is committed to educating women about their efforts to reduce the burden of cancer, improve prevention, and enhance the quality of care available.

Also speaking at a cancer awareness campaign organized in collaboration with the NGO, the First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, emphasized that cancer is not just a medical challenge but a human challenge requiring collective action, support, and advocacy.

She said, under her NGO, Almuhibbah Foundation, they are committed to improving healthcare access, particularly for the most vulnerable. "Our foundation recognizes that the fight against cancer cannot be fought in isolation. It requires collaboration, empowerment, and the unwavering support of communities," she said.

"Through our initiatives, we aim to ease the burdens caused by cancer and other health challenges that families face. One of our key interventions has been the provision of ambulances to ensure that people in remote areas receive timely medical attention and transportation," Hajiya Aisha added.

She further highlighted the foundation's contributions to financial support for patients. "We have made significant strides in assisting individuals financially by covering medical bills for those who cannot afford treatment, which often comes at a great financial cost. We understand that battling disease is challenging enough without the added burden of financial stress, and we are here to help alleviate that burden."

As part of efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, Hajiya Aisha revealed that the foundation has been involved in the construction of two hospitals in Jamda and Alkaleri, expanding access to quality healthcare. "Additionally, we have established a Sickle Cell Center at the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi to provide specialized care for individuals living with sickle cell disease, a condition that disproportionately affects many," she noted.

"To date, we have conducted medical outreach for over 5,000 people, offering essential healthcare services such as screenings, consultations, and treatments for a wide range of conditions. These outreaches have played a pivotal role in promoting early detection, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare services," Hajiya Aisha added.

"Furthermore, we have facilitated over 7,000 eye surgeries, restoring vision and improving the quality of life for many. For numerous patients, these surgeries have been life-changing, and we are proud to have made such an impact," she said.

Hajiya Aisha concluded by calling for continued collective efforts in the fight against cancer. "Together, we can raise awareness, provide support, and work toward a future where cancer is no longer a death sentence but a disease that can be managed, treated, and ultimately defeated," she added.