Omanghana
The Okapi Children Cancer Foundation has called on Nigeria’s Federal Government to subsidies childhood cancer treatment and strengthen public awareness to help more children receive timely care.
The appeal was made during the foundation’s 10th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk in Abuja on Saturday, September 26, where participants highlighted the financial pressures facing families and the importance of early diagnosis.
Held under the theme “Step by Step: We Rewrite the Story for Children Fighting Cancer,” the campaign brought together supporters across 10 cities in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The Abuja event took place at Jabi Lake Mall, with fundraising directed towards treatment costs and childhood cancer advocacy.
The foundation’s founder, Dr Kemi Adekanye, said many families shoulder the full cost of their children’s treatment, including basic hospital supplies such as cotton wool and syringes. She appealed for stronger government and philanthropic support to reduce the burden, particularly the cost of chemotherapy.
Consultant pediatrician Dr Oyesakin Adewunmi also called for closer collaboration between government agencies and non-governmental organizations to help children complete their treatment. Adebayo Glory, the mother of a survivor, highlighted families’ need for financial assistance, emotional support and encouragement throughout the treatment process.
Participants stressed that awareness must translate into earlier medical attention and affordable care. Adewunmi, who works at the National Hospital in Abuja, pointed to children who had survived cancer and returned to school, with some progressing to university. Their experiences, she said, demonstrated the possibilities when children receive appropriate treatment.
The foundation’s outreach also extends into communities, where it promotes awareness and helps families recognise the importance of seeking medical attention promptly. Its activities include community health education, screening initiatives and empowerment programs.
For childhood cancer survivor Hope Tobi, joining the walk alongside other survivors and supporters offered encouragement. She said the event reminded children undergoing treatment that they were not alone.
Marking a decade of advocacy, the foundation used the campaign to renew its appeal for sustained public involvement and practical assistance for children with cancer and their families.
Source: Omanghana
