...Sets October 17 for Campaign
The Cross River State Government has expressed readiness to partner with a Non-Governmental Organisation, Ribbon of Hope Foundation, to intensify awareness on early detection and prevention of cancer across the State. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Pastor Ekpenyong Cobham, disclosed this when he received a delegation from the Foundation on a courtesy visit to his office on Monday. Cobham pledged the Ministry's full publicity support for the campaign against cancer, describing increased public awareness as critical to saving lives and dispelling misconceptions surrounding the disease. The Commissioner, who narrated his personal experience with the impact of cancer through a close family member, said cancer is not a disease anyone should wish for, stressing the need for strong advocacy to educate the public on its dangers, prevention, early detection and treatment. He noted that the media has a crucial role to play in creating public consciousness about cancer and encouraging people to seek appropriate medical attention. He reassured the Foundation of the Ministry's support in deploying its information structures, including the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC), State Information Officers and social media platforms to amplify the campaign. "Health is wealth and prevention is better and cheaper than cure. This aligns with Governor Bassey Otu's People First agenda which prioritizes preventive healthcare and community health education. We will work with you to ensure the right information gets to our people," the Commissioner said. He urged Cross Riverians to go for regular medical check-ups, maintain healthy lifestyles and dispel myths surrounding cancer treatment. Earlier, leader of the delegation, Pharmacist Okey Bernard, said the collaboration became necessary following rising cases of breast, cervical and prostate cancers in the State, noting that many deaths are preventable if detected early. He disclosed that the organisation was established early this year to raise public awareness about cancer, with particular emphasis on breast cancer, while addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease and its treatment. According to him, the Foundation also seeks to educate residents on the availability of quality and equitable access to cancer treatment in Cross River State, stressing that cancer patients require not only medical care but also strong emotional and family support throughout treatment and survivorship. Also speaking, the Founder of Ribbon of Hope Foundation and cancer survivor, Mrs. Joy Kusi, said her personal experience inspired her to establish the Foundation to give hope to others battling the disease. She declared that she would lead the October 17 awareness walk and openly share her survival story to encourage cancer patients not to give up. Kusi urged residents of Cross River, particularly those in Calabar, to participate in the walk and help create greater awareness about cancer, stressing that people diagnosed with the disease should seek treatment in recognised hospitals rather than rely on unverified remedies. She further highlighted the importance of early detection, noting that timely medical intervention could significantly improve treatment outcomes, and encouraged eligible patients to explore available healthcare support, including assistance provided through the National Health Insurance Authority. The October 17 awareness walk is expected to bring together cancer survivors, patients, families, health advocates and members of the public to promote cancer prevention, screening, early detection, proper treatment and support for people affected by the disease in Cross River State.
Daniel Nsa, Eme Edet
