The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, Prof Victor Adetiloye has gave kudos to the Federal government on its healthcare delivery policy but called for prioritisation of adequate budgetary allocation for the sector.
Speaking at the celebration of the World Paediatric day celebration organised by International Association of Lions Clubs District 404B-2, Nigeria, in Collaboration with Mercy International Medical Mission, INC (U.S.A.), at OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Adetiloye noted that no amount spent on healthcare delivery is too much.
The CMD while commending the Lions Clubs for their immense contribution in assisting the less privileged, called on philanthropists, NGOs and other stakeholders to emulate them.
Speaking on the theme “Advancing Cure, Transforming care and instilling hope”, the Head of Paediatric Cancer Unit Department, OAUTHC, Dr Olufemi Adefehinti, said cancer is a disease of uncontrollable cell growth resulting in large groups of cells that can prevent other parts of the body from functioning properly.
Adefehinti added that the disease is a global health problem that affects both young and old, saying WHO confirmed that more people die each year from cancer than HIV, tuberculosis and malaria combined.
According to him, ignorance, low level of childhood cancer awareness, poverty, lack of diagnosis and treatment facilities, shortage of trained personnel, lack of family and psychological support among others are challenges facing cancer treatment.
The Paediatrician called for more awareness of the early warning signs of childhood cancer, promote earlier diagnosis, understanding that childhood cancer is curable and should end the stigma and myths attached to the illness.
The HOD called for improvement in child nutrition such as breast feeding, immunisation practices, quality sleep, National Health Insurance Scheme should cover stages of childhood cancer treatment.
Also, Prof. Rasaq Adebayo, the Chairman, Paediatric Cancer District 404B-2, lauded the members of the Lions Clubs for their commitment, donation and presence from far and near to the event.
Adebayo said that cancer is a very pathetic sickness that needs to cater for and observed that majority of the affected patients especially children came from poor family that cannot afford the medical bill.
“And we observed that government alone cannot do it, that’s why we contribute our own quota to the healthcare delivery of the children with cancer this year”. He stated.
The Professor of Oncology admonished other NGOS, individuals and groups to come to the aids of children with cancer, saying less privileged cannot manage the disease, assure that children are the future of the nation.
In the same vein, the President, Ife Model Lions Clubs, Ile-Ife, Dr Suraju Ogunyemi, said that Lions Clubs is the largest non-governmental organisation that cares for the less privileged.
Ogunyemi added that the clubs have five agenda such as: diabetes, feeding the hungry people, environment and paediatric cancer among others.
He stated further that they used today to mark the day to create awareness in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of children with cancers.
According to him, everyday three children are diagnosed with cancer and we observed that children are vulnerable that it takes time before they are attended to.
“Lions Clubs chose to give support to these children, for they are the leaders of the future and to ensure our future, that is the essence of Lions Clubs intervention.
” We noted that government alone cannot do it, for infrastructure, equipment and money are not enough, this prompted Lions Club to come with succour to assist the children.
He urged governments and meaningful Nigerians to partner with the clubs to make life conducive and bearable for the generality. so that intervention can come to support these children.
ENDS
