The
fight against cancer in Plateau State has received a new lease of life as the
Georgel Cancer Foundation formally unveiled its advocacy programme during a
visit to the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Plateau State Chapter.
The
Foundation was birthed out of a painful personal tragedy: the loss of late
George Longkat,
who passed away last year after a courageous but difficult battle with cancer.
To immortalize his memory and transform grief into purpose, his family members
and close friends came together to establish the organization, aptly named
after him.
Speaking
during the courtesy visit, the Founder and Chairperson of the Foundation, Mrs.
Retsum George, emphasized that the initiative is driven by compassion and a
deep sense of responsibility.
“Cancer
is not just a disease that affects the patient alone — it affects families,
communities, and society at large. We went through a painful experience with
George, and I do not want any other family to walk that road without the right
information, support, and care,” she stated.
She
explained that the Foundation’s mission is to raise awareness, provide support
systems for cancer patients, and advocate for improved access to early
detection and treatment services across Plateau State and Nigeria at large.
President
of the Medical Women Association Of Nigeria Dr. Nana Awaya Emeribe, warmly
received the Foundation, describing it as a timely intervention, stating that Cancer
continues to claim lives in alarming numbers, and late presentation due to lack
of awareness is a major challenge in our communities. We are happy to see a
family turn their grief into a beacon of hope. We will work hand in hand with
Georgel Cancer Foundation to strengthen advocacy and promote preventive health
education.”
The
doctors pledged to collaborate in areas of community sensitization, outreach
programmes, screenings, and counseling services targeted at women, youth, and
rural communities.
Health
experts note that cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally,
and Nigeria is no exception. Reports indicate that thousands of Nigerians are
diagnosed annually, but only a fraction received proper treatment due to poor
awareness, late diagnosis, and limited healthcare infrastructure. In Plateau
State, many cases go unreported until advanced stages, making survival rates
slim.
The
Georgel Cancer Foundation seeks to bridge this gap through education,
partnerships, and direct patient support.
Mrs.
Retsum disclosed that the Foundation plans to roll out school-based campaigns,
community workshops, and patient support schemes. She noted that one of their
key priorities will be to ensure that women and young people are educated on
early detection, healthy lifestyles, and access to medical screening services.
She
added that collaboration with professional associations like MWAN will give the
Foundation a stronger platform to reach wider audiences, particularly women and
children who often serve as the first point of health care in families.
The
Foundation’s work is not only a memorial to late George Longkat but also a bold
step towards rewriting the narrative of cancer in Plateau State. “We want his
name to stand as a reminder that while cancer is deadly, it can be fought with
knowledge, compassion, and collective action,” Mrs. Retsum said.
The
visit to MWAN marks one of the Foundation’s first official outings, signaling
its commitment to forge meaningful partnerships in the health sector. Both
organizations reaffirmed that the fight against cancer cannot be left to
government alone but require civil society, professionals, families, and
communities to act together.
As
the Georgel Cancer Foundation embarks on this journey, it carries the message
that tragedy can be transformed into a source of strength — and that every life
lost to cancer can inspire renewed determination to save others.
No comments:
Post a Comment