As part of efforts to ensure early detection of issues that can possibly lead to cervical cancer, women in Ado-Odo/Ota and Odeda Local Government Areas of Ogun State benefited from a free cervical cancer screening.

The screening outreaches, held to commemorate Cancer Awareness Month, was jointly organized by the Family Health Initiative (FAHIO), in collaboration with the Ogun State Primary Health Care Board alongside the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, with support from Pathfinder International.

Speaking at the outreach, Chairperson of FAHIO, Mrs. Oluwakemi Balogun, represented by the Human  Paplilomavirus (HPV) Community Champions,  Alhaji (Chief) Waheed Adeyinka and Mrs. Saheed Adesola, the duo emphasized the need for continuous awareness on prevention and early detection of cervical cancer among women.

Mrs. Balogun noted that the HPV vaccine 1is freely available in government health facilities  to protect girls children of age 9 years before they become sexually active, while women of child-bearing age should undergo regular screening.

''I urge other women who are not opportune to partake in this outreach to visit government health facilities in their areas for the screening in order to know their  health status'' she stated . 

Contributing, President of the Medical Women's Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Dr. Deborah Osisanwo in an interview, stated that cervical and breast cancers are common among women, and regular check-ups are essential for  them to stay safe and healthy. 

''This association realized the enormous tasks that women are undertaking in society. Their health and well-being are important to us, that is why we are championing this course'' she said. 

On his part, the State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Mr. Emah Udeme, reaffirmed the organisation's  commitment to cervical cancer awareness and screening, noting that its  elimination  by 2030 in the country remains sacrosanct. 

Beneficiaries, including Mrs. Balikis Taiwo, and   Mrs. Temitope Gbadamosi expressed gratitude to the organizers for the free screening.describing it as a necessity for women to undergo. 

The event  featured health talks on HPV vaccination, cervical cancer, breast examination, and family planning/child spacing, among others.