Radda Seeks Global Support Against Breast Cancer as Katsina Records Major Medical Breakthrough

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called for stronger collaboration among governments, development partners, philanthropists and healthcare stakeholders to combat the growing burden of breast cancer and improve access to life-saving treatment.

The governor made the appeal during a send-off dinner organised in honour of the Revive Mission Belgium medical team and the Pledging Aid Charity Foundation (PAC-F) following the completion of a major free breast cancer intervention programme in the state.

Governor Radda stressed that cancer remains one of the most complex public health challenges facing communities and warned that governments cannot address the problem in isolation.

According to him, sustained partnerships and collective action are critical to strengthening healthcare systems, expanding early detection programmes and reducing preventable deaths.

“Government, foundations and partners must work hand in hand. Only through collaboration can we effectively confront this devastating challenge affecting our people,” the governor said.

He commended the Belgian medical team for choosing Katsina as a strategic partner in the fight against breast cancer and described the intervention as a significant milestone in improving access to specialist healthcare services.

Governor Radda noted that the programme has enhanced breast cancer awareness, improved screening opportunities and expanded treatment access for women across the state.

He particularly emphasised the importance of early detection, describing it as one of the most effective tools in reducing mortality associated with breast cancer.

The governor also praised healthcare workers and officials of the Ministry of Health whose efforts contributed to the successful implementation of the initiative.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening partnerships with international organisations and healthcare institutions to strengthen medical services and improve outcomes for patients.

Speaking at the event, the founder of PAC-F and wife of the governor, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda, disclosed that the programme forms part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding between Katsina State and its international partners.

She revealed that the medical mission commenced on May 26 and was officially launched at the General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital on June 8.

According to her, the intervention recorded more than 800 consultations, screened over 600 women and successfully carried out 50 life-saving surgeries.

She described the outcome as evidence of what can be achieved when governments, development partners and healthcare professionals work together.

Fatima Radda further disclosed that Katsina has become the third location in the world after the United Kingdom and Belgium to benefit from the advanced breast cancer medical equipment deployed during the exercise.

She urged women to prioritise routine health checks and seek medical attention promptly whenever unusual symptoms are detected.

The event attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, local government chairmen, healthcare administrators and members of the Belgian medical delegation led by Revive Mission Belgium President, Dr Herman.

The intervention is expected to strengthen Katsina’s healthcare capacity while providing a foundation for sustained breast cancer awareness, screening and treatment programmes across the state.