Tayo Busayo, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, NNPC Foundation, has announced the launch of a free cancer screening campaign to address the nation’s escalating cancer cases.
The campaign, called "Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening," aims to reach 3,000 Nigerians, focusing on early detection of breast, cervical, and prostate cancers across the country.
The initiative will operate screening centers across Nigeria's six geo-political zones, specifically in Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe states. In addition to free screenings, the campaign will offer health education, workshops, and consultations with healthcare professionals, all aimed at empowering individuals to recognize early symptoms, adopt preventive measures, and appreciate the importance of regular screenings.
"The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare," said Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of NNPC Foundation. "This campaign is about more than just screening; it is about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most."
Cancer is one of Nigeria’s leading health challenges, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 79,000 cancer-related deaths annually. Prostate and liver cancers are most prevalent among men, while women predominantly face breast and cervical cancers. Limited access to screening facilities, social stigma, and low public awareness contribute to late-stage diagnoses, which significantly impact survival rates.
By collaborating with local health authorities and healthcare providers, NNPC Ltd. hopes this campaign will curb the trend of late-stage diagnoses and promote early detection as a standard practice. Mrs. Arukwe emphasized the significance of this effort, especially in a country of over 200 million people, many of whom lack access to crucial diagnostic tools. "NNPC Foundation is dedicated to addressing this critical gap by bringing cancer screenings directly to communities," she added. "Early detection is crucial to improving survival rates, and this campaign is a vital step towards that goal."
This campaign builds on the success of a similar initiative in February 2024, where more than 200 residents in Abuja received free screenings for breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
NNPC Ltd. envisions this campaign as part of its broader mission to promote health equity and improve the well-being of Nigerians, reflecting a commitment to social responsibility and community support. The organization continues to push for accessible healthcare as a fundamental right, aiming to make a meaningful impact on public health across Nigeria.
Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer at NNPC Ltd., reaffirmed the organization's commitment to this cause, noting, "These campaigns are not just about screenings; they are part of our dedication to the long-term health and welfare of our nation."
