Cancer: Anambra Government Partners WHO, Roche in Diagnosis, Treatment

The Anambra State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Roche West Africa, has launched a partnership aimed at enhancing breast and cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment within the state.

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Dr. Afam Obidike, the State Commissioner for Health, expressed optimism that this partnership will significantly reduce the financial burden associated with the diagnosis and treatment of breast and cervical cancer patients in the region.

Under the leadership of Governor Charles Soludo, the state has been offering free screening for cervical cancer in conjunction with WHO and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo, the wife of the governor, has also been actively involved in raising awareness about cervical cancer as the Cervical Cancer Champion Ambassador.

Dr. Obidike disclosed that over 7,000 patients have been screened for cervical cancer, with those testing positive receiving free treatment. He emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as WHO and Roche West Africa in making cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for all residents of Anambra State.

During a meeting at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat Complex in Awka, the Commissioner expressed gratitude to WHO and Roche West Africa for their dedication to improving public health outcomes through their interventions. He assured the partners of the state’s unwavering commitment to the success of the collaboration.

Mr. Sar Terseer, leading the Roche Pharma team, expressed confidence in the potential of the partnership. He highlighted the importance of establishing measures that would ensure cancer patients receive the care they need to enhance their outcomes and survivorship.

Mr. Louis Azubuike, Medical Science Liaison Anglophone West Africa at Roche Diagnostics, announced their commitment to supplying a PCR Molecular machine for testing in partnership with WHO. He emphasized the need for the state to provide a suitable location for the machine and cover the costs related to testing.

Key figures present during the meeting included Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, WHO South East Zonal Coordinator; Dr. Mohammed Bonos, WHO State Coordinator; Dr. Kelias Msyambeza, Cluster Lead UHC-WCO; and Dr. Hope Igbonagwam and Chioma Ekwebelem from the State’s Programme Coordination team for Cervical and Breast Cancer.

Also in attendance were Michael Omeihe, Market Access Manager Anglophone West Africa at Roche Diagnostics; Ebele Okigbo, Health Systems Partner at Roche Products Limited; and Nnaemeka Udowelle, Patient Journey Partner at Roche Products.