BY OLAYINKA LATONA

AS part of efforts to increase awareness of breast cancerand raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure,  an NGO – the Poverty Alleviation for the Poor Initiative (PAFPI) is holding a 6-day programme in Delta State, in its bid to realise  N34 million with which to set up at least three breast cancer screening centres in the  State.

Initiator of the project, Mr. Kejekpo Peter Omonade said the PAFPI Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign programme starting today  is being organised in memory of his wife who battled the deadly disease until she gave up the ghost.

He said PAFPI’s 2011 programme, is first of a planned annual event  included a rally at Asaba, a walk for life and seminar on self-breast examination with information about Breast Cancer for women in  Ughelli, Agbor, Ozoro and Oghara. On Saturday, October 22, there will be a drama presentation on the need to overcome Breast Cancer, paper presentations and the inauguration of a Breast Cancer information Centre at the General Hospital, Ughelli.

Omonade stressed the need for Nigerian governments and non-governmental agencies to support any initiative aimed at sensitizing the womenfolk about the devastating effects of breast cancer, which he said claimed the life of wife of several years. It was in this light that PAFPI, worried by the effect on the womenfolk and child development in the country, has decided to contribute its quota to the various campaign programmes that have been going on in parts of Nigeria by organising a six-day breast cancer awareness campaign in Delta State.

Over 2,400 women would be in attendance to benefit from the awareness, educative and screening programme.