By Winifred Bosa
Roche Nigeria has partnered with Health Writers’ Association of Nigeria ( HEWAN ) to boost breast cancer education and media reporting in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month .
To commemorate this , a strategic capacity-building workshop for health journalists was held at the Cancer Centre, Nigerian Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) in Lagos .
The workshop was designed to equip journalists with the necessary tools to accurately inform the Nigerian public about the realities of breast cancer and the available care initiatives.
Key sessions at the workshop included:
1. An expert overview of breast cancer, presented by Dr. Samuel Otene, a Consultant Radiation and Clinical Oncologist and State Chairman, Nigerian Cancer Society, Benue Chapter.
2. A presentation on the Presidential Directive for Mandatory Health Insurance and its implications for transforming healthcare in Nigeria by Dr Amade-Agada, GM Standards & Quality Assurance, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
3. . A detailed briefing on the Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), an ongoing mission by Roche and its partners to improve breast cancer care outcomes.
Pharm. Gilbert Ogbewele, Marketing and Business Support Lead representing the General Manager Dr. Ladi Hameed, addressed the journalists highlighting their essential role. “Roche is proud to partner with HEWAN, a truly critical stakeholder entrusted with preserving public interest. Your role in educating the Nigerian public about the scourge of breast cancer is invaluable,” Ogbewele stated.
“Crucially, you offer hope by arming our citizens with information about the available policies and breast cancer care initiatives that are functional in Nigeria today.”
The workshop aims to leverage the media’s reach to drive increased awareness, encourage early detection, and support the strengthening of Nigeria’s healthcare system for improved cancer care and survival. Mr. Ogbewele also noted that journalists are critical in supporting the government’s drive toward universal health coverage.
This initiative is part of Roche’s bold Africa Breast Cancer Ambition (ABCA), a mission dedicated to rewriting the story of breast cancer in Nigeria. Roche invited the media to join the quest to make a real difference in the essential fight against breast cancer.
