Aims to address women cancer cases in rural areas
Vice President's wife, Asha Bilal
The two dedicated women have formed the New Millennium Women Group aimed at developing a sustainable approach to mitigate the crisis in which women and children in rural areas are the most affected.
Expressing their commitment and determination when they paid a visit to cancer patients at Agha Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, several members of the newly formed group said it is only by proactively coming together and taking action that this ‘national tragedy’ can be dealt with.
They said since there is now a vaccine against cancer for girls the only challenge is for the community to come together and offer their support and to increase awareness and participation to rid the nation of the disease.
They said that once health services are brought closer to the citizens then more patients with cancer related diseases will have access to proper medical treatment.
Speaking during the occasion, the hospital’s Head of nursing services, Loveluck Mwasha said the women’s visit plays a significant role in the patients’ recovery since it boosts their moral and encourages them, giving them a sense of belonging and loving which is vital for their mental battle with the disease.
She said the hospital has been sending medical teams to rural areas for the same purpose, to bring services closer to the community.
She mentioned several of visited regions include Mtwara, Lindi and Dodoma.
According to recent health studies, Tanzania is reported to have the highest number of cervical cancer cases in Eastern Africa.
One-tenth of the estimated 72 000 new cases and 56 000 cervical cancer deaths in Sub-Saharan African countries reported for the year 2000, occurred in Tanzania.
Co founder of the group, Tunu Pinda said they are determined to address the crisis and called on all stakeholders to step up aid and save Tanzanian women from the plight.
SOURCE:
THE GUARDIAN
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