The Anambra State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Chinyere Esther Onyekesi, has facilitated a partnership with Anambra Women United (AWU), Chicago, United States, to provide financial assistance for breast cancer treatment to seven vulnerable women of Anambra origin.
The President of AWU, Iyom Sophia Ojukwu, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting vulnerable women, particularly those facing serious health challenges and financial difficulties.
The initiative, announced as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, is a partnership between AWU Chicago and the Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Under the programme, eligible women diagnosed with Stage 1, 2 or 3 breast cancer who cannot afford treatment will receive financial assistance to cover medical care and prescribed medications.
Beneficiaries will also receive one year of health insurance coverage through the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA), providing additional support for their healthcare needs.
As part of the application process, eligible patients or their healthcare facilities are required to submit the patient’s full name and phone number, the referring doctor’s name and contact details, the hospital’s name, the cancer stage, the date of diagnosis, the patient’s written consent and a brief assessment of the patient’s financial needs.
Teaching hospitals and other healthcare providers across Eastern Nigeria have been invited to refer eligible patients for consideration. The organisers stressed that complete documentation would help ensure applicants are assessed in line with the programme’s eligibility criteria.
The deadline for submitting referrals is October 29, 2026. Referrals and enquiries can be directed to Dr. Adaora Ogbuefi, AWU Vice President and Committee Chair, via info@awuchicago.org. Further enquiries can also be made through the Ministry of Women Affairs on 0706 858 0385.
The organisers called on eligible women, their families, hospitals and healthcare professionals to identify and refer patients in need of financial assistance, emphasising the importance of early detection, timely medical intervention and community support in the fight against breast cancer.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that the initiative, promoted under the message, “Early Detection Saves Lives — Stronger Women, Brighter Tomorrows,” aims to improve access to treatment, raise awareness and strengthen support for women living with breast cancer in Anambra State.
