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From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Benue State in collaboration with Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) Benue state Association have called on wives of Local Government Chairmen in Benue State to champion awareness and education on cervical cancer and birth registration at the grassroots level to empower women to make informed decisions about their health and families.
The call was made at an engagement meeting with first ladies of the 23 Local Government Areas of the state held in Makurdi, Bbue state capital.
The meeting themed “Empowering First Ladies, Strengthening Maternal and Reproductive Health in Benue State,” provided a platform for education on Cervical Cancer, it’s impact on the general population digital birth registration as well as nation action on women, peace and security.
Welcoming the First Ladies, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state, Mrs Theresa Ikwue, who described the first ladies as models and voices of compassion said their roles is at the heart of family life, community development and social transformation and their involvement in maternal, neonatal and reproductive health initiatives is essential.
Mrs Ikwue urge the first ladies to engage directly with women at the grassroots listen to their concerns and help amplify their voices and support community-based outreach, health education and awareness programs.
She particularly urged the first ladies to advocate for policies and practices that protect health, dignity and rights of women and children, expand access to quality healthcare and family planning to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates across the LGAs.
Speaking on behalf of PPFN, the Clinical Officer, Celine Ingbian said the group is a national healthcare provider and leading advocate of sexual reproductive health and rights in Nigeria founded in 1958 in response to pressing reproductive related problems such as unwanted pregnancies, child abandonment, and unsafe abortion. She said this has informed the decision to work with wives of the local government chairman in order to address the menace at their various levels.
According to her, PPFN operates in compliance with International Planned Parenthood Federation accreditation standards through establishment of a democratic and devolved governing structure focusing on promoting integrated health services that have a direct impact on poor and vulnerable groups especially women, adolescents, and children as well as key populations and persons living with disabilities.
Earlier, while presenting an overview of Cervical Cancer and its impact on the general population, the Coordinator, Maternal and Child Health at the Ministry of Health, Aondowase Apinega attributed the major cause of Cervical Cancer to long term untreated HPV 16 and 18 infections saying about 20 percent related deaths is preventable through routine immunization especially for adolescents aged nine to 14.
Mr Apinega highlighted the risk factors of Cervical Cancer as early sexual activity, multiple partners, high child birth, HIV and other immune suppressors, like smoking and poor socioeconomic status and charged the local government First Ladies to organize awareness campaigns, support treatment, Acess and parental care for adolescent girls between nine and fourteen, promote HPV vaccination as well as establish screening centers where women can be checked regularly and treated if detected at stage one.
Wife of the Kwande LGA chairman and WALGON chairman, Mrs Sandra Neji, on behalf of the first ladies, appreciated the Ministry of Women Affairs and PPFN and pledged support of the First Ladies to any policies that would bring succor to women at the grassroots.
She applauded the Commissioner, Mrs Theresa Ikwue for the decision to involve the local government chairmen whom she said were in better position to liaise with women at grassroots , expressing hope that the target would be met.
Her Vandeikya and Katsina-Ala LGA counterparts, Mrs Phelomena Guda and Mrs Mercy Shaaku also pledged to prioritize the welfare of women and adolescent girls in their area.
Director Women Affairs, Mrs Magdalene Andor had earlier called for collective action against issues bordering women saying if not addressed in unison by relevant stakeholders would impede on societal growth.
The Adult Volunteer Chairperson, PPFN, Mrs Sarah Ingbian also urged first ladies to join PPFN to as volunteers to enable them provide the needed support for women and girls in their vicinity.
