Childhood Cancer
CA8 – Africa
The Lions International, Multiple District 404 Nigeria has inaugurated the Children Oncology Ward of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar.
The renovated and upgraded Children Oncology Ward was carried out under the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Programme to boost healthcare delivery in Cross River State.
Speaking while inaugurating the project at UCTH, the wife of Cross River State Governor, Rev. Mrs. Eyoanwan Otu, commended the LCIF for its kind gesture.
Mrs. Otu represented by the Director General, Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mrs. Vivian Otu, added that their service to humanity has not only created a conducive environment for patients, it has also provided accommodation for those that will use the facility including caregivers who would enjoy the serenity the place provides.
Mrs. Otu urged other corporate bodies, humanitarian organisations, and good spirited individuals to emulate Lions International by reaching out to the needy in the society.
She said: “I’ve witnessed patients come here in pain and stay in a shabby environment. I want to thank Lions international for this huge and important gesture.
“Even if a child is dying of cancer, they should pass peacefully and not in pain, their gesture has given our children hope to live longer.
“The doctors and other care givers working in the ward now have a better and conducive environment to work in and deliver their best because this kind of facility is state of the arts as obtainable in developed climes.”
Earlier in her remarks, the Multiple Council Chairperson for 2022/2023 Lions Service Year, who is also the Project Chairperson, Lion Eld. Obo Edet, said the Lions International stands for service, explaining that they had looked around the identity areas that needed their interventions.
“We thought it wise to reconstruct the Children Oncology Ward at UCTH all in a bid to put smiles on the faces of the children and make their stay better, which is not only dear to me, but to Lions International.
“I wrote to the International office and they approved it, everything else is history; I’m happy to hand over the keys and I’m certain that this will touch the lives of children”
“I must acknowledge and pride myself as lucky to be given a great gift of love and Service,” she said.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Professor Ikpeme Ikpeme commended the Foundation for the wonderful gesture which he said aligns with the hospitals vision and philosophy of making sure the ambience is good for both patient and staff.
According to Ikpeme: “this renovation and furnishing of the Children Oncology Ward is important to us, we seek good ambiance for our staff and good accommodation for our patients, it is our philosophy.
“Today the Lions International have responded in a big way, we deeply appreciate their magnanimity,” Ikpeme said.
In a goodwill message, the District Governor, District 404A2 Nigeria, Lion Charles Oqua Itu mentioned that the Lions International is the largest and most active Service Organization in the world.
Lion Charles Itu expressed gratitude to LCIF, thanked Lions, Leos and the Management of UCTH for being part of history. Adding that, this is one of the things that we do as Service Organization and Paediatric Cancer happens to be one of our Core Service areas.
The exciting event featured inspection of the Paediatric Medical Ward and equipments among others.