United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has launched an initiative in partnership with the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) aimed at raising awareness about the importance of early detection and treatment of cancer. The campaign, titled ‘United Against Cancer,’ was announced at a press briefing in Lagos, where UNA’s Managing Director, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, shared his personal experience as a cancer survivor.
Okonkwo highlighted the significance of early detection in combating cancer, explaining that the first phase of the campaign will focus on large-scale awareness and information dissemination. He emphasized that he openly discusses his battle with cancer to inspire hope among those who may think that a cancer diagnosis equates to a death sentence.
The initiative allows passengers booking tickets on UNA flights to make voluntary contributions towards cancer care, with donations ranging from N1,000 to N100,000. All funds collected will go directly to a designated account set up by the NCS to support their programs.
For cancers not detected early, which require treatment, Okonkwo noted that meaningful successes in treatment outcomes have been observed. He reiterated that sharing personal stories can provide reassurance to others facing similar challenges.
NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, praised the collaboration with UNA, viewing it as a vital step in addressing the funding issues surrounding cancer care in Nigeria. He pointed out the financial strain cancer places on families, revealing that advanced treatment options could reach costs as high as N50 million. Many rural patients struggle with transport and accommodation costs, hindering their ability to complete necessary treatment.
Prof. Omonisi underscored that the crucial advantage of tackling cancer lies in early detection, which significantly enhances treatment success rates. He called for ongoing health education and community outreach efforts to counter common misconceptions regarding cancer symptoms.
