The Anambra State Government through the State Ministry of Health has partnered with the World Health Organization, (WHO), Roche West Africa in breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment in the state.
State Commissioner for Health; Dr. Afam Ben Obidike said the partnership will help reduce the high cost in diagnosis and treatment of breast and cervical patients across the state.
Dr. Obidike noted that since the inception of Gov. Charles Soludo’s administration the state in partnership with WHO, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) has been offering free screening of cervical cancer of which the wife of the governor; Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo is the Cervical Cancer Champion Ambassador in the state.
We have been able to screen no fewer than seven thousand two hundred and seventy seven patients and those of them that turned out positive received free treatment.
This partnership is a welcomed development because the cost of treatment is high, so we are making a sincere effort to reduce the cost and that is why we are partnering with the WHO and Roche West Africa.
He said this during a meeting with the partners in his office at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat Complex, Awka. The Commissioner thanked WHO, Roche West Africa for their commitment in ensuring that the public benefits from their health interventions.
He assured them that the State is committed to the success of the partnership.
Mr. Sar Terseer who led the Roche Pharma team said that they are hopeful the interactions with the state will be fruitful.
At the moment, we are still in the early stages of discussions and planning. But we are glad the state is working and thinking to put measures in place to ensure that cancer patients are able to get access to the care they need to improve outcomes and survivorship.’’
Mr. Louis Azubuike Medical Science Liaison Anglophone West Africa Roche Diagnostics, said they have agreed to partner with the State WHO by providing the PCR Molecular machine for testing.
So, if the state provides good location we will also support the servicing, installation with basic input but the state needs to commit to the testing by paying for the testing.
In attendance during the visit includes, WHO South East Zonal Coordinator; Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, WHO State Coordinator; Dr. Mohammed Bonos, Dr. Kelias Msyambeza Cluster Lead UHC-WCO; Dr. Hope Igbonagwam, Chioma Ekwebelem, Dr. Uju Okoye, State Programme Coordinator, Cervical and Breast cancer.
Others are, Michael Omeihe, Market Access Manager Anglophone West Africa Roche Diagnostics, Ebele Okigbo, Health Systems Partner Roche Products Limited and Nnaemeka Udowelle Patient Journey Partner Roche Products.
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