Dana Air, in association with Project PinkBlue and the United States Embassy in Nigeria has trained 44 Nigerian doctors on medical oncology at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.
The field of oncology has three major areas: medical, surgical, and radiation. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist.
Spokesman for the airline, Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, said in Lagos that the training which held from August 13-2513, was also done in collaboration with the federal ministry of health.
“Giving back to the society in which we operate is part of our secrets of success. We are committed to the health and well being of Nigerians and this training is part of the Upgrade Oncology initiative focused on strengthening the capacities of oncology education, medical oncology curriculum, oncology infrastructures and cancer treatment in Nigeria.
“The training was led by two U.S. based Fulbright Specialists- Dr. Tracey O’Connor MD, a medical oncologist and associate professor at Rosswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA and Dr. Mike Martin MD, medical oncologist and associate professor of Medicine at West Cancer Center, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN, USA,” said Ezenwa.
Also speaking, the executive director of Project PinkBlue, Mr. Runcie Chidebe, said two U.S. based medical oncologists, also trained 56 doctors and healthcare workers at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
He said the 44 oncologists were drawn from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, University of Port Teaching Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Usman Dan Fodio Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Federal Medical Centre Bida, Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki, and two private facilities namely Lakeshore Cancer Centre and Asi Ukpo Diagnostic and Medical Centre.
He expressed appreciation to the airline for its commitment to the fight against cancer in Nigeria since 2014.
“The fight against cancer cannot be won by using just one strategy; we must employ diversified strategies, and engage diversified stakeholders including the private sector. For instance, Dana Air has been supporting us since 2014, this is commendable! Let’s not be weary, let’s continue to support activities against cancer by all means possible,” he added.
