Hon. Millicent Zuuri, the assembly member for Samatigu electoral area in the Nadowli/Kaleo district, has successfully organized a breast cancer screening and awareness exercise in the area. The exercise, which covered three communities – Nyimbale, Samatigu, and Kaluri – aimed to educate residents on breast cancer and healthy living practices.

Stella Bayor, a midwife from the Nadowli district hospital, emphasized that breast cancer affects anyone, regardless of social status. She noted that health workers, including some of her colleagues, have been diagnosed with breast cancer, motivating her to continue sensitization and screening efforts. However, limited resources have hindered their ability to reach smaller communities like Samatigu. “I’m excited that the assembly woman could organize this on her own. That’s very commendable and I know it wasn’t easy organizing it,” she added.

Mary Danyi, district nutrition officer at the Nadowli/Kaleo district health directorate, encouraged community members to adopt healthy lifestyles. She stressed the importance of consuming locally available vegetables and fruits instead of relying on unhealthy alternatives like Maggi. Danyi also expressed concern about excessive alcohol consumption, which weakens the immune system and increases disease susceptibility.

Hon. Millicent Zuuri donated fetal Dopplers to the Nyimbali and Samatigu CHPS zones and pledged to advocate for a midwife assignment to the Nyimbali CHPS zone. She acknowledged the support of Dr. Alan Seidu, a medical doctor and native of the area, who facilitated the donation of the fetal Dopplers. “You know most of our sons and daughters better than I do. If you know anyone who can help resolve our problems, do inform me. I’ll surely find ways of getting in touch with them.”

Hon. Joseph Dakurah, representative of the MP for the Nadowli/Kaleo constituency, Hon. Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah, applauded Hon. Millicent Zuuri for the initiative. He noted that the MP has committed to improving the health sector, evident in his provision of delivery beds to several health facilities.

In total, 278 females and 105 males were screened, with suspected breast cancer cases referred to the Upper West regional hospital for further examination. Hon. Millicent Zuuri reaffirmed her commitment to prioritizing the health and wellbeing of her constituents and called for stakeholder support.

This initiative is one of many undertaken by Hon. Millicent Zuuri, the sole elected female representative to the Nadowli/Kaleo assembly, aimed at improving the lives of Samatigu electoral area residents.

By: Albert Dapare