NGO inaugurates committee for breast cancer care
By Aderogba George
Project Pink Blue (PBB), a leading cancer care NGO, has inaugurated a multidisciplinary steering committee for the Women Empowering Women Breast Cancer Navigation and Technology Programme (WEW-BCNaP).
The NGO’s Project Manager, Ms Ejemole Nwanna, said in Abuja on Friday that the programme, supported by AstraZeneca, aims to transform breast cancer care in Nigeria through technology and patient navigation.
She said the initiative will empower patients and retired nurses to navigate Nigeria’s complex healthcare system, ensuring timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved access to quality medical services across communities.
According to her, WEW-BCNaP promotes early detection, reduces emotional distress, and enhances treatment outcomes, creating a stronger culture of survivorship and prevention for women diagnosed with breast cancer in Nigeria.
Nwanna named steering committee members to include Dr Tracy Battaglia, Co-chair and Associate Cancer Centre Director, Yale Cancer Centre, U.S., and Olushola Akapo, a breast cancer survivor and advocate.
Others are Mr Runcie Chidebe, Co-chair and Executive Director, PPB Health and Psychological Trust Centre; and Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General, National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).
Also on the committee are Monica Dean, Director, Patient Navigation Programme Development, AONN+, U.S.; and Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, Founder, Breast Without Spot (BWS) and Professor of Radiation Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Other members include Dr Uche Nwokwu, National Cancer Control Programme; Pharm. Okwesileze Christine, President, OPPAN; and Laurie Tauriainen, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, U.S.
The list also features Dr Maria-Chidi Onyedibe, Clinical Psychologist, University of Nigeria; Nurse Nana-Hauwa Lawal, National Hospital, Abuja; and Nurse Nanre Mampak, Occupational Health Nurse Manager, AMCE.
Mrs Mary-Gloria Orji, President, NEPICIN, and Mrs Oguntoyinbo Dorcas, patient advocate and researcher, were also named among members to provide expertise in patient support and cancer advocacy.
Nwanna expressed confidence that the committee’s expertise would help WEW-BCNaP address the specific needs of Nigerian breast cancer patients and deliver lasting improvements in care and outcomes. (NAN)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Tosin Kolade
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- Agriculture and Environment Desk Controller/Website Content Manager.
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