Okapi Cancer Foundation urges early screening after Abuja childhood cancer awareness walk

# What happened Abuja to promote childhood cancer awareness, mobilize public participation, and raise resources for children and families affected by cancer. The event also marked the foundation's 10-year anniversary as an advocacy organization working on childhood cancer issues in Nigeria.

The foundation used the walk to make a straightforward appeal: early detection saves lives. Organizers urged parents, caregivers, and communities to learn the common signs and symptoms of childhood cancers and to seek screening and care quickly when they suspect a problem.

Founder Oluwakemi Adekanye said she expects government attention to childhood cancer to increase, pointing to a recent cancer health fund that may include children once implemented. The foundation views that fund as a potential step toward better access and outcomes for young patients.

Child survivor Hope Tobi joined the walk and described it as encouraging. Tobi said walking with other survivors and supporters brought hope and reminded affected children they are not alone.

# What Okapi says it has done Okapi reports the following accomplishments over its decade of work:

• Direct support provided to more than 250 children living with cancer.
• Awareness campaigns that have reached thousands of students and community members across Nigeria.

# Operational approach Okapi focuses on public education and community outreach. According to Dr. Ikenna Igbodika, part of the foundation's management team, bringing people together at events is both informational and experiential: attendees learn about the foundation's services and often respond by getting involved or supporting affected families. The approach aims to move awareness beyond abstract messages to concrete understanding at the grassroots level.

# Policy context and next steps Adekanye referenced a recent cancer health fund and said she expects children to be included. The foundation is watching the fund's implementation closely and expects that, once in place, it could improve progress and outcomes for children with cancer. Okapi continues to push for broader public education, community screening efforts, and resource mobilization to help families cover care needs.

# Takeaway for readers If you care for children or work in community health: learn and share the common warning signs of childhood cancer, support local screening and referral pathways, and consider joining or supporting local awareness efforts. Community-level education and early screening are the specific actions Okapi recommends to reduce delays in diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.