The Macedonian Call Cancer Foundation has intensified efforts to promote cancer awareness, improve access to healthcare information and empower girls through two major initiatives held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The programmes focused on cancer prevention and early detection, adolescent health education, menstrual hygiene and the protection of girls’ rights, bringing together government representatives, healthcare professionals, school administrators and community stakeholders.
The first initiative was a cancer awareness campaign organised in collaboration with the Bende Local Government Area administration from August 17 to 22, 2026, under the theme, “Know the Signs: Take Action, Save Lives.”
The campaign featured a train-the-trainer session, community outreach at health centres in Alayi, Ugwueke, Uzuakoli and Itumbauzo, as well as a cancer awareness unity walk that commenced at the Bende LGA headquarters.
The initiative aimed to educate residents on cancer prevention, promote early detection and address challenges limiting access to timely health information and screening services, particularly among women and rural communities.
Participants included the foundation’s Executive Director and UK Lead Convener, Sct. Annette Nneoma Elekwachi; Hon. Dcn. Uwabunkonye Bassey; Dr. Eunice Uzumma Ojike; Dr. Mercy U. Igwe; Mrs. Josephine Ngozi Emenike-Okorie; Dr. Mrs. Ugomma Okorie-Wright; and Chief Mrs. Iheadigbo G. Oluchi.
In a related development, the foundation extended its advocacy to secondary schools from October 6 to 9, 2026, as part of activities marking the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The school outreach, held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” reached students of Bende Secondary Grammar School, Amoji Lodu Community Secondary School and Ugwueke Secondary School in Ugwueke.
The programme was designed to equip adolescent girls with practical knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, personal safety, education and future aspirations.
Topics addressed included adolescent life skills, sexual health, the dangers of premarital sex and teenage pregnancy, personal hygiene, substance abuse, career development and Human Papillomavirus vaccination.
Sanitary products were also distributed to the students to promote menstrual hygiene and support their health and well-being.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for its generosity and commitment to their welfare, noting that the lessons learnt would guide their decisions, behaviour and personal development as they grow.
The principals of the participating schools also commended the foundation for the initiative, describing it as beneficial to the students. They pledged to encourage the practical application of the knowledge acquired during the outreach.
Officials involved in the girl-child outreach included Udensi Nneka Ogbeyialu and the Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Treasure A. Nwankwo.
Through the two initiatives, the Macedonian Call Cancer Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cancer awareness, expanding access to essential health information and advancing the rights, health and personal development of girls.
The programmes further highlighted the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, healthcare professionals and community organisations in tackling public health challenges, protecting vulnerable populations and creating opportunities for girls to reach their full potential across Abia State.
