The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada has lauded the donation of 20 bedded Paediatric Cancer treatment complex donated by an NGO, Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club to the hospital.
The Chief Medical Director, UATH, Prof. Bissalla Ekele who commended the Lions Club for the construction and handing over of the Pediatric Oncology Centre in the hospital also said, it is a step in the right direction as it would go a long way to accommodate more cancer patients in the hospital.
Prof. Ekele who urged other spirited individuals and corporate organisations to support the hospital in ways like this added that the volume of indigent patients that patronise the hospital was high.
He said the donation is history in the making, because it is the first time an NGO has constructed such a Centre r in nearly 30 years existence of the hospital added that the project intends to bring succor to one of the most vulnerable groups in the society that is, children with cancer and is highly commendable and we cannot thank the Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club enough.
“I am sure this gesture will open the flood gate to other foundations and charity organisations to come and show their milk of kindness. The number of unknown accident victims on admission is also high and we are also the choice for patients from the correctional facilities around us.”
Despite that the hospital has increased its bed capacity from 350 to 500 in the course of four years, the hospital still faces challenge of bed space for children with cancer.
The Minister, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Dr. Osagie Ehanire
said the project is laudable and well timed to meet the rising incidence of childhood cancers while saying that cancer in children is a devastating event in the life of the child and their family.
De. Ehanire said data shows that the global burden of childhood cancer is 300,000-400,000 per year and nearly 13,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually.
“The story of childhood cancers in developing countries is gloomy; there is lack of access to quality care. Available care is often fraught with issues that hamper optimal outcomes. It is always a welcome partnership when well-meaning Nigerians and civil society organisations (CSOs) contribute to improving the care of these children.”
He said Nigeria had recently witnessed an apparent upsurge in the incidence of paediatric cancers nationwide and this is due in part to improved diagnostic and treatment capacity of our health institutions as well as improved registration of paediatric cancers by the Nigerian National System of Cancer Registries.
“It is important to note that UATH Gwagwalada has one of the active cancer registries in Nigeria and has been a reliable source of data for national planning and policy direction. With the support of stakeholders and partners like Lions Club, we are currently improving access to cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The donation of this paediatric oncology ward today has addressed a major gap in the provision of cancer care services in this hospital.
“The provision of supportive care for cancer patients is also very critical, especially with blood and blood products. Inadequate availability of such supportive care has been identified as one of the major challenges of cancer care services in our health institutions. In an effort to provide comprehensive care at this centre, I approved deployment of one of the apheresis machines, donated to the Federal Ministry of Health by Equinor Nigeria Energy Limited, to the hospital for single donor blood product processing.”
While commending the effort of the Lions Club he said, in its characteristic philanthropic manner, the club has brought succour to the children suffering from cancer by donating this structure adding that this project will make UATH a regional hub for paediatric oncology services in this part of the country.
The President, Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club, Lion Charlz Jestus Opusunju who said the project which started in October 2020 and completed in March was a core project for the 2020/2021 Lions year also said the project would also go a long way to bring succor to children with cancer.
He said the complex which was spur out of concern when they visited the hospital and saw only two beds for children suffering from cancer said the edifice was built without any grant from the International office, no sponsorship or collaboration but completely with funds raised from friends and public spirited individuals at my investiture as President.
“My dream when I assumed office as President of Abuja Metropolitan Lions Club was to do something that will make the difference in the lives of children and families of children fighting cancer.
“And, we anticipate that it will go a long way to bring succor to the children who will benefit from services in this centre now and in the future.
