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The Macedonian Call Cancer Foundation has strengthened its commitment to grassroots healthcare, cancer awareness and the empowerment of girls through two major initiatives held in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.
The initiatives, which focused on cancer prevention, early detection, adolescent health education and girls’ rights, brought together government representatives, healthcare professionals, school administrators and community stakeholders to promote healthier communities and support the development of young girls.
The first initiative was a cancer awareness campaign organised in collaboration with the Bende Local Government Area administration from August 17 to 22, 2026, under the theme, “Know the Signs: Take Action, Save Lives.”
The campaign featured a train-the-trainer session, community outreach activities at health centres in Alayi, Ugwueke, Uzuakoli and Itumbauzo, as well as a cancer awareness unity walk that commenced at the Bende LGA headquarters.
The programme sought to improve public understanding of cancer, encourage early detection and address barriers that prevent rural residents, particularly women, from accessing timely health information and screening services.
Participants included the foundation’s Executive Director and UK Lead Convener, Sct. Annette Nneoma Elekwachi; Hon. Dcn. Uwabunkonye Bassey; Dr. Eunice Uzumma Ojike; Dr. Mercy U. Igwe; Mrs. Josephine Ngozi Emenike-Okorie; Dr. Mrs. Ugomma Okorie-Wright; and Chief Mrs. Iheadigbo G. Oluchi.
In a related development, the foundation extended its community engagement to schools through an educational outreach organised from October 6 to 9, 2026, to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
Held under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in Girls’ Rights,” the programme reached students of Bende Secondary Grammar School, Amoji Lodu Community Secondary School and Ugwueke Secondary School, Ugwueke.
The outreach aimed to equip the girls with practical knowledge to make informed decisions about their health, personal safety, education and future aspirations.
Topics covered included adolescent life skills, sexual health, the dangers of premarital sex and teenage pregnancy, personal hygiene, substance abuse, career pathways and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Sanitary products were also distributed to promote menstrual hygiene and support the students’ well-being.
Some of the students who received gifts during the programme expressed appreciation to the foundation for its generosity and commitment to their welfare. They said the lessons learnt would remain with them as they grow and help guide their decisions and conduct in the future.
The principals of the participating schools also commended the foundation for the initiative, describing it as beneficial to the students. They expressed their commitment to ensuring that the knowledge acquired during the outreach was put into practice.
Officials involved in the girl-child outreach, Udensi Nneka Ogbeyialu, and Programme Co-ordinator, Mrs. Treasure A. Nwankwo.
Through the two initiatives, the Macedonian Call Cancer Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cancer awareness, improving access to essential health information and supporting the rights, health and personal development of girls.
The programmes also underscored the importance of collaboration among government institutions, schools, healthcare professionals and community organisations in addressing public health challenges, protecting vulnerable populations and creating opportunities for girls to achieve their full potential across Abia State.
