The National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) has organised a three-day workshop
for health workers in Zamfara on cancer treatment and prevention.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop has “Enhancing Skills in Urinary Schistosomiasis and Prompt Referral
of Suspected Bladder Cancer” as its theme.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Aisha Anka, while declaring the workshop open in Gusau on Tuesday,
commended NICRAT for the efforts toward fighting cancer.
Anka, who was represented by the Director, Public Health in the ministry, Dr Yusuf Haske, described the training as a giant stride in cancer fight.
She said that the ministry would continue to partner NICRAT on cancer intervention opportunities not only the bladder cancer but all other cancers affecting human beings.
Anka added that the state government is providing equipment, skilled manpower to ensure that the training is stepped down to the grassroots.
The commissioner urged participants to pay attention and understand the basic concept of the training.
The state’s Team Lead of the programme, Dr Ibrahim Hano, said that “the training is for frontline health workers in Primary Healthcare Centres
and the focus is on basic cancer screening techniques.
“This is an organised and specialised capacity building workshop for health workers in primary, secondary healthcare facilities in Zamfara, with a
total of 28 participants; two from each of the 14 local government areas.”
Hano further explained that Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states were selected for the workshop, as the states have high burden of Schistosomiasis disease in the country.
He said “that is why this training is taking place today, concurrently in the three states I mentioned.
The state’s Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO), Mr Mukhtar Raji, said Zamfara must be ready to access more intervention opportunities for cancer prevention, as
he assured further WHO support for cancer prevention and treatment.
In seperate remarks, the Executive Secretaries, State Hospital Services Management and State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Mustafa Marafa and Dr
Hussaini Yakubu, assured their readiness to ensure that cancer intervention programmes succeeded. (NAN)
