Project PINK BLUE (PPB) has taken hepatitis awareness, screening and vaccination to Kabusa community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The community outreach program is under the CHOKE Liver Cancer Project and implemented by Project PINK BLUE with support from Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation.
The Executive Director, Project PINK BLUE, Runcie Chidebe, said the project aims to support awareness on hepatitis, Screening and vaccination to prevent liver cancer in underserved communities in three states of Nigeria namely; Abuja, Nasarawa and Niger.
Chidebe explained that Hepatitis is a significant risk factor for liver cancer, which is the 5th leading cause of cancer death in Nigeria.
“According to the International Agency on Research on Cancer (IARC), in 2022, 4,382 Nigerians were diagnosed with liver cancer, and 4,252 people died of the disease; hence, only 130 Nigerians diagnosed with liver cancer survived.
“For this reason, liver cancer has been labeled a silent killer because it does not have symptoms in its early stages. People begin to see the symptoms of liver cancer at the late stages of the disease.
” Early detection and vaccination are proven strategies to prevent hepatitis infections and reduce the incidence of liver cancer.
“By providing accessible screening and vaccination services, Project PINK BLUE’s #ChokeLiverCance project aims to save lives and improve health outcomes in Nigeria,” he said.
Also, the Project PINK BLUE’s Program Coordinator, Gloria Chinyere Okwu said their goal is to empower the Kabusa community with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent hepatitis, foster early detection and encourage vaccination.
She said through these efforts, we can significantly reduce the impact of this dreadful disease in underserved communities.
“With the support of ACT Foundation, we are reaching the heart of the community to make a difference,” she said.
The Palace Secretary of the community; Mr. Ezekiel Bitrus thanked Project PINK BLUE and ACT Foundation for bringing the Choke Liver Cancer programme to the community.
He said they are happy to be remembered for such a programme. I am aware that hepatis is a deadly disease and I am excited that my community will learn how to prevent it and vaccinate against it at no cost.
Key activities of the Kabusa community outreach include:Free Hepatitis B & C Screening: Identifying individuals at risk of liver cancer, Vaccination Against Hepatitis B: Preventing liver cancer by targeting one of its primary causes, Health Education: Providing information on liver cancer prevention, symptoms, and treatment options.
Others are : Counseling & Referrals: Offering one-on-one consultations and referrals to specialists for those requiring further medical care, Distribution of Educational Materials: Ensuring community members leave with resources to continue learning about liver health, amongst others.