Towards promoting women’s health, the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, Abuja has successfully provided free breast screening services to 100 members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
This initiative, which fulfilled a promise made by the FMC, was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Bassey-Ita-Ikpang-led administration of NAWOJ.
The screening exercise included thermalytic breast scans and mammograms for women above 40 years, while those below 40 received thermalytic and echographic scans, all at no cost.
The exercise was aimed at promoting early detection, prevention, and timely treatment of breast-related health issues among female journalists, a demographic often exposed to high-pressure work environments that may limit their access to routine medical care.
Speaking during the screening, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang expressed gratitude to the management of FMC for their unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of female journalists.
According to Comrade Ita- Ikpang, the outreach underscores the vital role of partnerships in bridging healthcare gaps and ensuring that women, especially those in demanding professions, receive the necessary support to maintain their health and productivity.
“This gesture is not just about healthcare, it is a testament to the value placed on the wellbeing of women who dedicate themselves to informing and educating the public,” she said.
Comrade Bassey described the exercise as “life-saving” and urged other organizations to emulate the kind gesture of FMC.
One of the beneficiaries, Josie Mudasiru, JP, Mnipr, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of NAWOJ for initiating the partnership.
“I want to sincerely appreciate the Chairperson of NAWOJ and her Executive Members for this laudable initiative. Journalists often work tirelessly and under intense pressure, with little time to prioritize their health.
” Providing us with the opportunity to access free mammograms and breast scans is highly commendable. Thank you for the good work and for putting our wellbeing first,” she said.
For Remi Uduak Eyen,she merely said “This opportunity came at the perfect time, and I feel more reassured about my health.”
Several other beneficiaries, Nkiru Okeke, Lami Ali, Princess Ekwi Ajide, Mariya Ado Zakari and Helen Oby-Chuks also shared their appreciation.
The Medical Laboratory Scientist, and Technical Access Manager For West Africa- Anglo phone, Mr Jamiu Olabamiji emphasized the importance of regular screenings, noting that breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of death among women globally, but when detected early, it can be effectively treated.
” We believe that this will go a long way to help our women. So, we call on philantropists, First ladies of the country to key into the fight against cancer, get the equipments and use it to support different women organizations for free cancer screening. Because early diagnosis is actually key” Olabamiji said