By Don Peter Okoro
The Anambra State Association Women in USA (Cancer Coalition) in collaboration with Amichi Diocesan Hospital on Thursday the 30th of December 2021 at the Diocesan Hospital Amichi, Anambra State, launched the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme for over 70 indigent Anambra women with Breast, Cervical Cancer and Maternal Health Issues.
Speaking to the Press shortly after the event, the General President ASA, Women USA, Dr. ( Mrs.) Anthonia Uche Umeh has this to say about the mission of ASA: ” This Organization was founded in 2011.
Our mission is to help the less-privileged in terms of health education and awareness.
That’s basically what we are into for now and our focus is on Anambra State. We have a project Health Care Access To Indigent Members In Nigeria, especially Anambra Women with breast and cervical cancer.
We have two goals, one is to enrol women at risk of breast and cervical cancer with the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme and we have adopted 70 women already.
Most of who came today to receive their Registration Cards, so, that they can have access to go to the Hospital when they are sick. The second goal is to establish the International Comprehensive Cancer Centre here in Anambra State and Amichi was adopted by the ASA Women USA to house the Cancer Centre.”.
On the level they are now, she replied: “We are in partnership with the Diocesan Hospital, that is why we are hosting the event here. The stage we are now is the signing of the MUO Agreement.
As soon as we finalize with the Bishop, the project will take off.” Appreciating those that have in one way or the other supported the Organization, she said: “I want to really appreciate all those who have in one way or the other contributed to the success of our projects both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora.
We have been raising funds for the past two years, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic, we couldn’t come for Medical Mission in Nigeria for the past two years and we decided to move ahead with this project which is the Health Care Access To Indigent Women In Nigeria,”.
Also Speaking, is the popular Nigerian Born American Based Award Winning Film Maker and Actress, Chi Chi Okonkwo who is also the Assistant General Secretary of ASA Women USA has this to say:
“Today, we are celebrating our 10th years Anniversary of ASA Women USA. We are also here to handover the Health Care Insurance Cards to indigent women of Anambra State who are now qualified to receive Insurance from us.
We are partnering with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA) And today, we are here physically to present them with the Insurance Cards,”.
Asked if she would like to encourage other women to get involved in the projects, she answered: “Absolutely! the more hands we have on deck the more people we are able to reach, because people are in need. We cannot ask for lesser help.
We need more help because each year more people are coming in, that wants to receive help from this organization. So, yes, I am appealing to Philanthropists around the world to come on board. To whom much is given, much is expected.”.
One of the Awardees, Prof. Chinweuba Chris Ulasi of Texas Southern University in the United States, said that he was invited by Dr. Uche Umeh the ASA Women USA President and commended the works she and her team have been doing over the years in the fight against Cancer. Asked on his impression of the programme, he said: ” It was a very good programme. You schedule something like this during the holidays and it is tough getting everybody to come, but despite that, the turn out was very impressive.
The most important thing is that the Scheme was launched and the Recipients were here to receive it. And they got it.”. In all, it was a very successul and commendable Event which other philathropic and humanitarian Organizations should key into.
Also in attendance were dignitaries & Cancer Patrons in the persons of Honorable Dr Joe. Akabuike, former Anambra State Commissioner for Health, CMD, COOUTH; Honorable Chief Maja Umeh, Former Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism; Honorable Dr. Obiageli (Oby) Ezekwesili, Public Policy Expert, Lady, Dr Queen Ozigboh, and Chief Celestine Umeh, Nwafenna Amichi.
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