Book on Cervical Cancer and VVF for Launch  May 6

A book on Cervical Cancer and Vesico-Virginal Fistula (VVF) is due for launch  in Abuja on Saturday, 6th of  May,2023.

Titled Nadama and written by Hajia Fatima Usara of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the launching will be chaired by Chief Medical Director of University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Prof Ahmed Ahidjo.

The Special Guest of Honor is General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), while the Chief Launcher is the Managing Director of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Ms Zouera Youssoufou. Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu,  is the Guest of Honour.

The Guest Speaker is wife of the Kebbi State Governor and Chief Executive Officer of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Dr Zainab Bagudu Shinkafi.

Royal Father of the Day is the Emir of Zuru, Major-General Muhammed Sani Sami (rtd) . Mothers of the Day are Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen,  and former First Lady of Imo State, Mrs Nkechi Rochas Okorocha.

According to a statement, Prof Umar Adam Katsayal of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Dr Abubakar Muhammad Sani, Sarkin Shanun Yamatu, Gombe are the Book Reviewer and Book Presenter respectively.

The author explained that Nadama is a Hausa drama whose theme is derived from the name of the book itself, ‘regret’.

She said: “Its theme is premised on creating awareness on Cervical Cancer and Vesico-Virginal Fistula (VVF). The story is a tragedy, twisted around unfortunate incidences of public concern, healthcare, love, honor, and consequences of irrationality.

“The contents on VVF and Cervical Cancer are facts collated from research and interface with experts in the field. This approach places Nadama on a vantage ground of passing on a vital message while captivating the reader through entertainment (edutainment).”

“The choice of Hausa language as the medium of conveying this message is due to the low level of cervical cancer awareness among the Hausa speaking community especially among those who dwell in the rural areas of Northern Nigeria. Many among the men and women from the target audience are not aware that cervical cancer is preventive.”

“Most are ignorant of the options available for the treatment of both the cancer and the VVF for those unfortunately affected. This concern thus calls for continuous enlightenment campaigns through various forms of communication to apprise our people of this deadly disease and that it is preventable.”

“The book also illuminates the importance of community networking in confronting health challenges suffered by the vulnerable.”  

 She said her intention is to send this message down to the grassroots level through production of this drama as a first step.

“ It will be followed by production of an audio book and ultimately production of a home video in the popular Hausa movie industry,” she noted.

“The latter two productions are particularly for the benefit of none literate Hausa speakers through entertainment. It is hoped that the book will be included in the curriculum of secondary and tertiary institutions to create this awareness from the teen ages upwards.  Besides, it also contains rich Hausa culture in form of proverbs, wise sayings, family culture and relationships worthy of being studied in our schools. It is also within our radar that depending on its acceptability and popular demand, an English translation may follow,”  she added.

“Your contribution towards the success of this book is a contribution towards saving the lives of women in our Hausa speaking communities through educating them on ills of cervical cancer, its preventive methods and survival options. With the advancement of modern medicine, we should come together to reduce the number of annual mortality rate from this avoidable disease.

“The contribution you make towards spreading this message may save one soul from suffering an excruciating death out of ignorance. We all have a role to play in passing down the message to our mothers, aunties, sisters, wives, and daughters,” the author explained.