Sebeccly Set to Introduce Cancer App in Nigeria
- Celebrates 10th year anniversary
Martins Ifijeh
In a bid to reduce the alarming rate of cancer in Nigeria, Sebeccly, an innovative cancer charity organisation has stated that the organisation was working on introducing a cancer application that will provide adequate information about cancer care in the country.
Stating this at the Sebeccly 10th Anniversary Charity Ball in Lagos, its founder, Dr. Omolola Salako, said this was necessary as a source of education on the scourge because many people do not know the causes of cancer and how it can be prevented.
“We are working on the cancer app with adequate information for prevention, treatment, management, among others,” she said, adding that the organisation will continue to lend support to cancer patients, survivors and families of those who have passed on.
Salako said Sebeccly was an initiative concerned about cancer care in Nigeria but needed support to ensure it was adequately provided in the country. “Even if we can’t get financial support, discount on cancer treatment will be appreciated. We are also counting on Nigerians for support to tackle cancer scourge in the country.
“We need more partners in the public and private sector to come together to invest in cancer care, we need individuals who have either been affected or not to contribute their quota to dealing with the scourge. Government should as well implement policies that will favour cancer patients,” adding that unless this was done, people may continue to die.
While also lamenting the dearth of cancer machines, she said despite the efforts of Sebeccly to improve cancer care, there were still challenges that need to be surmounted. “Some of the challenges are financial, as well as getting the best team to work with,” she added.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande, said dearth of infrastructure to tackle the scourge was part of reasons for the low survival rate in Nigeria, but assured that soon cancer will be demystified in the country.
“Globally the risk of a woman developing cancer is said to be as high as 10 per cent, internationally, a woman dies of cancer every two minutes. In 2008, records show that 40 women die daily in Nigeria due to cancer,” noting that Nigeria has a survival rate of one to five.
Among those present at the anniversary celebration were cancer survivors, their friends, family members and partners.
