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AWCAA Pledges To Increase Awareness, Empower Women On Cancer
By Gloria Ikibah
As Nigerians and the global community continues to grapple with the challenges and effects of cancer, a non governmental organisation under the aegis of the African Women Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) has officially announced its launch in Nigeria on World Cancer Day.
The President and Founder of AWCAA, Dr. Ify Nwabukwu, who disclosed this at a virtual press conference, restated their commitment to empowering women through cancer education, early detection, and access to life-saving treatment.
Nwabukwu reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to reducing cancer mortality rates in Nigeria, and emphasised the importance of collaborations with existing organisations and government agencies to drive early detection and improve access to treatment.
“For over two decades, AWCAA has spearheaded more than 21 cancer awareness missions across Africa, donated mammogram machines to hospitals, and improved cancer care in countries such as Nigeria, Tanzania, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. With its expansion into Nigeria, AWCAA aims to bridge the gap in cancer education, screening, and treatment, ensuring more women receive the support they need.
“AWCAA is actively advocating for a reduction in cancer mortality rates in Nigeria by ensuring more women receive early diagnoses, access to care, and the support they need. Beyond treatment, we are committed to breaking the stigma associated with cancer. As a survivor, I understand the urgency of this mission,” Dr. Nwabukwu stated.
The official AWCAA Nigeria launch will commence with a pre-launch women-focused wellness event in Lagos, while the main launch is scheduled for February 13, 2025, in Abuja, where the organisation will unveil key initiatives designed to reduce cancer-related deaths and support women throughout their cancer journey.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Nnesochi Offor, a member of AWCAA, underscored the importance of prevention, early detection, and lifestyle choices in the fight against cancer.
“Cancer doesn’t always have a single known cause, but research has linked it to unhealthy lifestyle choices, including diets high in carcinogenic substances. We must all prioritise healthy living by embracing active lifestyles and nutritious diets rich in fruits and vegetables,” she advised.
Expressing confidence in the organization’s impact, Madam Celine Orji, a member of AWCAA, highlighted the tangible benefits the association has already brought to communities.
“AWCAA has made a difference in my community, making mammogram tests more accessible and affordable. I do not doubt that its expansion into Nigeria will save countless lives,” she said.
As Nigeria continues to face rising cancer cases, AWCAA’s presence marks a critical turning point in the fight against late-stage diagnoses and inadequate access to treatment. With a strong focus on empowering women, advocating for policy changes, and breaking the stigma surrounding cancer, AWCAA is set to transform cancer care and ensure no woman faces the battle alone.
Naijablitznews.com reports that the African Women’s Cancer Awareness Association (AWCAA) is a non-profit organisation that promotes cancer awareness, early detection, and access to quality treatment for women across Africa.
Since its establishment, AWCAA has led numerous awareness campaigns, donated life-saving equipment, and advocated for improved healthcare policies to combat cancer effectively.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has announced that members can now decide whether to accept or donate the four main components of blood based on their personal conscience.
The organisation made this known in a statement issued by its World Headquarters in Warwick, New York and made available on its website on Friday.
According to the statement, “the decision to accept red cells, white cells, plasma or platelets from another person’s blood is a matter of personal conscience.”
Jehovah’s Witnesses announce adjustment to blood transfusion policy
It added that “each Witness must decide whether or not to donate blood for the clearly expressed purpose of providing components or fractions for use by another person.”
However, the organisation said its position on whole-blood transfusion had not changed.
“The long-standing refusal of whole-blood transfusions on religious grounds, a core teaching based on the command to ‘abstain from blood’ (Acts 15:20), is unchanged,” the statement said.
International spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses at the organisation’s World Headquarters, Paul Gillies, said, “Blood remains sacred to Jehovah’s Witnesses, who continue to regard life and blood as precious gifts from God.
“We recognise that medical decisions involving blood components are a matter of conscience between each Witness and their God, Jehovah.”
The organisation said the adjustment “follows earlier updates regarding blood fractions and the use of one’s own blood during medical procedures.”
It added, “Since the Bible does not comment on such decisions, they are a matter of individual conscience. That same reasoning has now been extended to the four main components of blood.”
On medical care, the statement said, “Jehovah’s Witnesses love life and want the best available medical care. They do not practise faith healing, and they seek out doctors who can provide effective treatment in accord with their wishes, values and beliefs.”
Gillies said local congregations would not interfere in members’ personal decisions.
“Congregations do not involve themselves in personal decisions that rest with the individual conscience. We will continue to respect and support the personal decisions of our fellow believers.
“We are grateful, too, for the many skilled and compassionate physicians who provide quality medical care that respects our personal wishes regarding blood,” he said.
The organisation said Jehovah’s Witnesses number “over nine million worldwide, in congregations across more than 200 lands.”
Recall that the religious group had clarified its position on the use of a member’s own blood during surgery and other medical procedures.
The clarification allowed individual Witnesses to decide whether their blood could be removed, stored and returned to them during medical treatment, while the organisation maintained its position against receiving blood from another person.
Punch
The Nigerian Army has dismissed as fake and unverified a purported intelligence alert warning of planned Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks on schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public institutions across the country.
Anele said the Army was aware of the circulation and had heightened vigilance across its formations and commands to prevent attacks on vulnerable facilities.
She described the purported intelligence as speculation and urged the public not to treat the document as an official Army security alert.
The response followed the circulation of a document purportedly signed by one A.M. Sodiq, which claimed that Boko Haram and ISWAP were planning coordinated attacks across several parts of the country.
The document listed churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations as possible targets and alleged that suspected ISWAP operatives had begun surveillance of selected locations.
It further claimed that the alleged attacks could coincide with the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session.
However, the Army disowned the document, maintaining that it did not originate from the institution.
The Army assured Nigerians that security formations remained on heightened alert and were taking necessary measures to protect schools, places of worship and other vulnerable public facilities.
MINNA, Niger State — An engine oil seller in Minna, the Niger State capital, has reportedly sustained serious injuries after allegedly being shot during a police operation to disperse protesters.
The victim, identified as Ibrahim Mohammed Dada, was reportedly standing outside his shop at Tunga Market when he was struck by a bullet.
Ibrahim’s brother, Yakubu Dada Mohammed, said the victim was not part of the protest and was attending to customers at his engine oil stall when the incident occurred.
According to him, Ibrahim was simply trying to earn a living and support his family when a police officer allegedly fired a shot that hit him in the head and severely injured his face.
«“He was not among those protesting. He was standing in front of his shop selling engine oil when one of the police officers fired a bullet that struck his head and badly injured his face,” Yakubu said.»
Ibrahim is currently receiving treatment at Minna General Hospital, where his condition was reportedly described as critical.
The incident occurred amid protests in Minna over the reported deaths of 37 miners who were allegedly in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Reports indicate that 65 miners were arrested on September 15 and 16, with 37 subsequently reported dead while in security custody.
The protests, which began on Thursday, continued into Friday as security personnel moved to disperse demonstrators. Security forces were reportedly accused of using tear gas and live ammunition during the operation.
However, the circumstances surrounding Ibrahim’s shooting have not been independently established.
The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, appealed for calm and said the incident would be investigated.
The case has since heightened concerns over the conduct of security personnel during the ongoing protests.
Jehovah’s Witnesses announce fresh adjustment to blood transfusion policy
Army speaks on Boko Haram, ISWAP attack alert as fake
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