ADDIS ABABA- Civil Society Organizations (CSOS) like Mathiwos Wondu-Ye Ethiopia Cancer Society (MWECS) has immense contribution to support the global goal of putting an end to cervical cancer by 2030, the Ministry of Health (MoH) said.
The MWECS celebrated the 20 years founding anniversary through various activities yesterday.
MoH Disease Prevention and Control Directorate Lead Executive Officer Hiwot Solomon (MD) stated on the occasion that the ministry in partnership with MWECS, have been undertaking several activities in fighting against non-communicable disease particularly cancer.
Apart from providing financial and psychosocial support, MWECS has implemented over nine projects in concert with the MoH, Black Lion Hospital and other centers.
Hiwot(MD) further noted that the Non Communicable Disease (NDC) has been recent agenda in the country while the negative impact it has put on the socioeconomic aspects of low and middle income countries becoming devastating.
To this end, she stressed that MWECS needs to be recognized in paving the way in the implementation of policies and strategies that MoH formulates on NDC.
“For the past eight years, the Ministry, besides formulating policies and strategies, has also put effort in ensuring the expansion of cancer treatment centers, making the service accessible in different hospitals as well as enhancing health extension to reach more societies at all levels. “
She also highlighted activities that have been carried out in informing the society regarding implementing healthy and modern life style while avoiding unhealthy foods.
The ongoing activities regarding alcohol, intake of salt and sugar are worth mentioning and the MWECS has immense contribution and has remained one of the concerned bodies in this regard, as to her.
The officer pointed out that Chemotherapy treatment which has been offered in Black Lion Hospital, is being delivered in four centers in the country, and activities are underway to increase the centers to seven.
Despite the inaccessibility of the treatment centers in the nation, the vaccination that is being given to high school girls would play a major role in meeting the goal of ending cervical cancer by 2030.
“Nonetheless, the efforts of government and health centers by itself are inadequate. Thus, societies including the MWECS have huge role to play in filling the gap, “Hiwot (MD) stressed.
Founder and CEO of the MWECS, Wondu Bekele on his part stated that they have been working on cancer as well as non-communicable disease for the past 20 years. The society has been providing cancer patients with different supports such as covering the full expense of bed, food, transport and counseling of Pongasile Patients Centers that accommodate more than 30 patients.
Moreover, it has been covering the transportation fee of patients residing in states, purchasing expensive medicines, as well as covering laboratories expense and offering monthly pocket money for student patients and inpatients.
The Founder further highlighted activities that the society has been carrying out with the MoH. Of which, National Cancer Control Plan, Tobacco control plan, Inclusive health coverage and non-communicable diseases reports are among others.
For its outstanding performance, the society has been awarded five international and two national prizes, Wondu indicated.
During the event, the MWECS recognized various institutions and individuals that have contributed to the cancer cause.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 19 JUNE 2024
