CSOs Organize Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Bauchi

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar

In an effort to create more awareness on the scourge of breast cancer amongst women of reproductive age and give patients hope of survival, a coalition of civil society organizations in Bauchi State known as Alheri YS and ALFO Foundations with support from BIK Foundation have organized a Five Kilometer walk within Bauchi metropolis and also provides free breast cancer screening exercise to over 300 women in the state.

The grand walk which took place Saturday 21st October 2023 amidst fanfare, pageantry and lots of side attractions, saw thousands of Volunteers commencing the walk from Dogon Yaro roundabout , through Ahmadu Bello way, Wunti Market, Kobi and Nassarawa Streets, Yakubun Bauchi road and eventually terminated at the Government house.

Giving a short health talk at the meeting point before embarking on the 5kilometer walk, a consultant oncologist with the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH) Dr. Adamu Ningi said that breast cancer is one of the leading cause of deaths amongst women and that early detection remains one of the most effective ways of mitigating the scourge in the community.

Dr. Ningi urged women of reproductive age to always carry out intermittent breast screening in hospitals and also self examination for any signs of lumps in their breast.

The Consultant then revealed that with advancement in technology and early detection, breast cancer can be cured and patients can live and achieve their full potentials in life.

Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Aisha Adam Bappa Life Foundation (ALFO), Aisha Adam Bappa thanked volunteers for accepting the invitation to participate in the awareness campaign which she described as “service to humanity”.

Bappa said that accepting the invitation to participate in the event has given credence to the volunteers’ commitment and contributions to the fight against breast cancer.

The CEO of ALFO then appealed to other humanitarian organizations to partner with the Two Foundations in sustaining such awareness campaign beyond just an annual event.

Also speaking on the sidelines with Daily Chronicle, the Executive Director of Alheri YS Foundation, Alheri Sarauta said that the walk was an annual event aimed at raising awareness on breast cancer and promoting early detection especially amongst women of reproductive age.

The ED lamented that breast cancer affects millions of women around the world, and also proffered that early detection plays an important role in improving survival rates.

She said that for two years now, Alheri YS Foundation and ALFO had been on the vanguard in carrying out such awareness campaign, with support from Barrister Ibrahim Kashim (BIK) Foundation.

In a goodwill message, secretary to Bauchi state government (SSG), Barr. Ibrahim Kashim Commended the CSOs and volunteers for the impressive awareness campaign.

The SSG said that government has a strong commitment to partner with groups and non-governmental organisations to create awareness on the dangers associated with the disease.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent appreciated the efforts of the two CSOs and their supporters for providing the free screening exercise.

Power bikers, BMX cyclists, horse riders, roller skaters, NYSC/ other live bands and mobile DJs added color to the 2023 Bauchi State breast cancer awareness grand walk.