Foundation urges FG, states to increase budgetary allocation to health sector
NAN-H-23
Allocation
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Feb. 18, 2018 (NAN) The Executive Director, Francis and Felicia Umenyi Foundation, Dr Chito Nwana has called on the Federal and State Governments to increase budgetary allocation to the health sector.
Nwana made the call during the cancer awareness talk in collaboration with Francis and Felicia Umenyi foundation and Tabitha Medical Centre on Sunday in Abuja.
She said that there were lots of things to be done to prevent, detect and carter for cancer patients in the country.
Nwana urged Nigerians to pay close attention to their health and always seek professional help when in doubt of any sudden development.
She said that cancer could be treated and could be very difficult to treat when detected late.
According to her, this foundation is inspired by my mother, who died a year ago of cancer, because she promised to come back to Nigeria after treatment; and give back to the society.
“Unfortunately, she passed on; we decided to honour her dedication and service to humanity by setting up this foundation.
“We are creating awareness about cancer and we hope to do more to carter for indigent population, who cannot afford cancer treatment,” she said.
Nwana said five per cent of cancer were hereditary, saying individual can reduce the risk of the disease by avoiding sedentary lifestyle.
A cancer epidemiologist, Institute of Human Virology (IHVN), Dr Elima Jedy-Agba, also said at the event that cancer was recently more common in children and adults, saying there was need for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
According to her, the budgetary allocation for the health sector is low, there are many communicable diseases calling for more government’s attention.
“A lot of funding in the country came from the international donors, who are gradually getting tired.
“The government needs to provide more cancer diagnosis facilities and treatment centres,” she said.
Jedy-Agba said early detection of cancer was curable if one seeks medical attention, saying that many still seek traditional medicine or seek healing in religious centres.
The Chief Consultant Paediatrician, Gwarimpa General Hospital, Dr Eucharia Anunobi, advised parents to be cautious of their children’s health as children were also prone to cancer.
She, however, advised Nigerians to ensure healthy lifestyle and go for medical routine checks. (NAN)
OEO/AFA
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Edited by Felix Ajide