Pfizer Nigeria Supports Free Breast Screening

Pfizer Nigeria’s Country Manager and Cluster Lead, West Africa, Mr Olayinka Subair, on Monday said the company is committed to improving patients’ lives and reducing disparities in cancer care.

He made this known in a statement in Lagos, saying that the company showcased its dedication to health equity by supporting Medicaid Cancer Foundation and Leah Foundation to provide free breast cancer screening to women.

Subair explained that breast cancer screening was provided to women in Abuja, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kogi and Oyo states, as part of activities in commemoration of World Cancer Day.

He further said that, the screening provided by the foundations was to draw attention to the need for early detection toward saving lives.

He stressed that Pfizer’s legacy in breast cancer spans over two decades, with a strong foundation in research and development to ensure support for breast cancer patients.

Also, Mr Lanre Bello, Executive Director, Leah Foundation, said Pfizer’s intervention was life-saving, noting that most of the rural women had no prior knowledge of breast cancer.

Bello appealed to corporate organisations, religious bodies, trade unions, women associations and governments to collaborate to raise awareness, provide screenings and necessary interventions that would assist to reduce cancer disease burden.

Subair noted that bi-annual screening was recommended, especially for women in the rural locations.

Similarly, Ms Hadiza Arome, Senior Programme Manager, Medicaid Cancer Foundation, said the breast cancer awareness and free screening programme targeted persons who met age and medical eligibility guidelines, especially rural women.

Arome said this would ensure that all women screened by the foundation received appropriate and timely follow-up, diagnosis and treatment.

She noted that screening the target populations through regional public education efforts would also assist in reducing morbidity and mortality from the disease.