Donate Here

Cardiovascular and Cancer Care Access Initiative

The Cardiovascular and Cancer Care Access Initiative is designed to enhance early detection and screening services for both cardiovascular diseases and cancer in underserved communities. This will be achieved by establishing dedicated screening booths within primary healthcare centers, where comprehensive services for both cardiovascular and cancer care will be provided, including routine screenings and educational programs to improve community health outcomes.

The Issue

The Annie Okonkwo Foundation Non-Profit Empowering communities, transforming lives. Cancer Care Access Initiative EmpowerED Program TAOF Cancer Research Grant

Many individuals in underserved communities in Nigeria lack access to early detection and treatment for both cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer. This disparity is caused by several factors:

1. Limited access to healthcare services: Primary healthcare centres in these areas often lack the infrastructure and resources needed for comprehensive screening and diagnostic services.

2. Late diagnoses: For both cardiovascular diseases and cancer, a large number of cases are detected at late stages, reducing treatment options and worsening outcomes. In Nigeria, 124,815 new cancer cases are recorded annually, and CVDs have become a leading cause of death due to delayed detection and poor management.

The Annie Okonkwo Foundation Non-Profit Empowering communities, transforming lives. Cancer Care Access Initiative EmpowerED Program TAOF Cancer Research Grant
The Annie Okonkwo Foundation Non-Profit Empowering communities, transforming lives. Cancer Care Access Initiative EmpowerED Program TAOF Cancer Research Grant

3. High mortality rates: Late-stage diagnoses lead to high death rates. For example, breast and cervical cancer are the most common cancers among women, with 12,000 new cervical cancer cases and 8,000 deaths annually. Cardiovascular diseases, especially high blood pressure and diabetes are also contributing significantly to mortality rates.

4. Inadequate treatment infrastructure: Despite global advancements in the management of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, Nigeria struggles with insufficient healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of comprehensive care centres, and limited access to essential medications.

The Annie Okonkwo Foundation Non-Profit Empowering communities, transforming lives. Cancer Care Access Initiative EmpowerED Program TAOF Cancer Research Grant

Our Solution

The Cardiovascular and Cancer Care Access Initiative is designed to improve early detection and treatment of both cardiovascular diseases and cancer in underserved communities. Through this initiative, we will:

  • Establish cardiovascular and cancer screening booths in primary healthcare centers to offer routine screenings for conditions like high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.
  • Increase early detection rates by providing accessible and affordable screening services that will identify these diseases in their early stages, allowing for more effective treatment.
  • Provide educational programs focused on preventive care, raising awareness about the risks of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, and promoting healthier lifestyles within the community.
  • Support patients by connecting them with healthcare providers and resources to manage their conditions, improving their quality of life.
  • Reduce mortality rates through timely and effective diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of cardiovascular and cancer cases, thereby lowering the number of deaths related to these diseases.

We believe our efforts will contribute to improved treatment outcomes for cardiovascular diseases and a reduction in cancer-related mortality rates of underserved populations in Nigeria and West Africa.

Donate Here