By Asuquo Edem
Worried by the alarming rate of prostate cancer affecting the men folk from ages 30 and above the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has mandated the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, as well as the Ethical and Attitudinal Re-Orientation Agency, ERACOM to initiate as well as sustain public awareness campaigns on dreaded disease.
The resolution which was passed yesterday Tuesday 6th May 2025 during plenary was sequel to a motion brought before the House by the member representing Essien Udim State Constituency, Prince Ukpong Akpabio, on the urgent need for government intervention to combat the rising incidence of prostate cancer.
The Lawmaker expressed worry over what he termed as the ‘alarming raise’ in prostate cancer cases which now accounts for approximately 11% of all male related cancer in Nigeria.
Akpabio noted that while health issues including, Malaria, diabetes, polio, continues to receive international, national and State attention, prostate cancer which has become a leading concern, among Men receives less attention and intervention.
He observed that over the past decade, the State government has actively intervened and spearheaded several health initiatives aimed at combating various health challenges such as “Roll Back Malaria ” campaign, polio eradication, campaign against the spread of HIV as well as covid -19 preventive and vaccination campaign, expressing the belief that following successful government intervention in public health initiatives, with adequate finding and community engagement, large scale public health campaign can achieve substantial positive outcomes.
Contributing to the motion, the member representing Uruan State Constituency, Dr. Itoro Etim, described the motion as timely, and lauded the Essien Udim representative for bringing up the matter on the floor of the House. She recalled with regrets how she lost her dear husband to cancer.
Other legislators, including Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, member for Ibiono Ibom, and Chairman, House Committee on Health, Hon. Moses Essien, voiced their support for the motion, citing the importance of a sustainable enlightenment campaign and early screening to tackle the fast spreading menace of prostrate cancer which has been labeled a “silent but deadly” killer.
After due deliberations on the motion, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. ( Elder )Udeme Otong, who presided over Plenary, directed the Clerk of the Assembly, Mrs. Nsikak Abasi Orok to communicate the resolution to appropriate quarters for necessary action.
Meanwhile, the House has adjourned plenary to resume on Tuesday 13th May, 2025.
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