By GRACE ADEJOH

The Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) has appointed a breast cancer survivor, Halisa Muhammad, as its Cancer Survivors Liaison Officer.

The appointment followed the enrolment of cancer survivors into the AbbaCare Programme, in line with Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s directive to strengthen healthcare support for survivors.

This was contained in a statement issued by KSCHMA’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Ahmad Turaki on Wednesday.

Muhammad, Chairperson of the Women for Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Foundation, said the governor provided more than N30 million for her cancer treatment.

She described the intervention as life-changing, adding that it inspired her to establish the foundation to promote public awareness, encourage early detection and support people affected by cancer.

The Executive Secretary of KSCHMA, Dr Rahila Aliyu Muktar, expressed confidence that Muhammad’s personal experience and advocacy would help raise awareness and improve support for cancer survivors under the AbbaCare Programme.

Muktar said the appointment would strengthen engagement between survivors and the agency, ensuring that their concerns and healthcare needs received appropriate attention.

In her acceptance remarks, Muhammad pledged to serve as a link between cancer survivors and KSCHMA by communicating beneficiaries’ concerns and working with relevant stakeholders to improve access to healthcare information and support.

She emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, timely treatment and compassionate care in improving outcomes for cancer patients and survivors.

The agency said the appointment complemented the enrolment of cancer survivors into the AbbaCare Programme and formed part of efforts to improve healthcare access for vulnerable residents.

KSCHMA reiterated its commitment to working with communities, healthcare professionals and civil society organisations to promote cancer awareness, early detection and timely treatment. (NAN)