Femi Olutoye Foundation promotes cervical cancer awareness in Osun State, educating women on prevention and early screening

The initiative, part of International Women’s Day celebrations, aimed to educate participants on the causes of cervical cancer and the importance of early screening in preventing avoidable deaths.

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Karimat Jolayemi, a nursing lecturer at Adeleke University and lead facilitator of the programme, highlighted the need for greater collaboration between government, NGOs, and local health institutions to expand access to cervical cancer screening.

She emphasised that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women globally and in Nigeria, despite being largely preventable with early detection and treatment.

“Many women remain unaware of risk factors and preventive measures. Early detection can save lives, but often cases are discovered too late,” Jolayemi said.

The lecturer also called on authorities to strengthen primary healthcare involvement, suggesting that routine maternal and child health services could integrate cervical cancer screening.

She noted that screening does not always require expensive equipment and could be conducted with more affordable methods than the traditional Pap smear test.

“With proper training and minimal financial support, primary healthcare workers can screen more women, reducing mortality in underserved communities,” she added.

The Femi Olutoye Foundation has also led humanitarian efforts beyond healthcare, including a December 2025 initiative in Obaagun where about 300 residents, including widows, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, received free food packs.

Iyanuoluwa Adekanbi, the foundation’s Coordinator for Food and Shelter, said such initiatives are part of the organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups in rural areas, improving access to healthcare, education, and social welfare services.

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The foundation affirmed its dedication to expanding outreach programmes, ensuring that women in rural communities are empowered with the knowledge and resources to protect their health.