By Kemi Olatunde

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Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) has  organised free cervical cancer and HIV screening for women in the state in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day celebration.

The event which took place at the Isolo Comprehensive Health Centre had over 200 women beneficiaries.

The Agency’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu while speaking with The Hope, described the day as one aimed at addressing critical issues affecting women.

Commending the First Lady of Ondo State, Arabinrin, Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu for her passion for women especially in the area of distribution of Solayo kits for safe delivery of indigent pregnant women in the state, he stressed the need for women to be proud of their gender, adding that they should also ensure the protection of the girl- child.

He called on them to work with stakeholders in ensuring the promotion and protection of women’s right.

Director, Medical Services, OSPHCDA, Dr. Paulinus Omode while speaking at the event, stated that the occasion aimed at ensuring gender equity and  equality noting that it is important that all play their role in the complete eradication of the challenges being faced by women.

While laying emphasis on the theme; “DigitALL: innovation and technology for gender equality”, he stressed the need for women to be allowed to embrace technology for their benefit.

In her lecture, Director, Nursing, OSPHCDA, Mrs Yinka Kajero while saying  family planning is not a prevention to the desired number of children but to guarantee spacing between children  for  healthy living, advised that women visit health facilities for effective family planning services.

According to her, it has a lot of benefits including the prevention of untimely death in children, improves bond between couple and also enable women play their role in their homes and workplace.

She urged women to sensitise others on family planning.

In another lecture, Coordinator, Maternal and Child Health, Mrs Dare Owolabi noted that it is important that women undergo cervical cancer screening for the security of the cervix.