Imo NAWOJ Puts Members’ Health First, Holds Special Congress with Cancer Awareness Campaign and Free Drug Distribution

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Imo State Chapter, has demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of members by holding a special July Congress focused on health awareness, cancer prevention, stress management, and free distribution of essential drugs.

The event, held at the NUJ Press Centre in New Owerri, brought together women journalists from across the state for a health-focused programme aimed at promoting wellness and preventive healthcare.

A major highlight of the Congress was an enlightening lecture delivered by a Resident Nurse at Orlu Teaching Hospital, Mrs. Chinwe Uloneme, who educated members on cancer prevention and stress management. She identified work pressure, financial challenges, family responsibilities, and inadequate rest as common causes of stress, particularly among media professionals.

Mrs. Uloneme urged participants to embrace healthy lifestyles through regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, proper time management, and seeking professional assistance when necessary. She warned that prolonged stress could weaken the immune system and increase the risk of several health conditions.

Speaking on cancer, she described it as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body and highlighted common cancers affecting women, including breast, cervical, ovarian, and colorectal cancers. She also emphasized the importance of early detection and preventive measures such as regular medical check-ups, self-breast examinations, HPV vaccination, healthy dieting, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

To further support members’ wellbeing, essential medications were distributed free of charge. Beneficiaries received various drugs, including Cofmix Syrup, Avrolin Cold Syrup, Zotrim, Eye Antioxidant, Omecet, Clarten malaria medication, Aprovasc for blood pressure management, Metazone, Paracetamol, and other pharmaceutical products.

The health initiative and drug donation were facilitated by the Chairman of Imo NAWOJ, Comrade Chizoba Opara, whose efforts were widely applauded by members.

In her remarks, the acting Chairperson of Imo NAWOJ, Comrade Opara thanked members for attending the Congress despite the heavy rainfall and expressed gratitude to Mrs. Uloneme for the insightful presentation as well as the donors who supported the free drug distribution. She reiterated her administration’s resolve to prioritize the health and welfare of women journalists in the state.

Members commended the leadership of Comrade Opara for organizing a programme that combined health education with practical support, describing the initiative as timely, impactful, and beneficial.

The Congress ended with a collective pledge by members to prioritize regular health screenings and share the knowledge gained with their families and communities.