By Prosper Okoye

Stakeholders in Abuja have recommended as a “must read” a book written by Fatima Sanda Usara, titled Nadama, for its potency to curb the prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria, especially among the rural population.

“The fact that the book is written in the Hausa language, which is the most spoken language across the West Africa region, means that it can reach a broader audience,” University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital Chief Medical Director, Prof.

“Cancer is also a disease that affects the poor and that can’t afford to manage it because of its high cost of treatment,” he said.

Prof Ahidjo revealed that a single radiology session costs an average of 600,000 Naira in government hospitals in the North-East region, while in bigger cities such as Lagos, the cost can reach one million Naira, and some private hospitals may charge as much as two million Naira per session.

These exorbitant costs, he said, pose significant challenges for individuals, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, in accessing essential medical services.

“Taking a preventive approach remains the best way forward, and this is precisely what Nadama is set to do,” he emphasized.

“The book also sheds light on the subject of Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), a health condition that involves an abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina, resulting in constant and uncontrollable urine leakage,” added Prof. Ahidjo, who was also the chairman of the occasion.

“The book is timely,” said the National Hajj Commission Chairman, Alh. Zikrullah Kunle, “as it advocates for a comprehensive approach to cancer screening and treatment.”

He quoted statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) on cervical cancer among women to emphasize the importance of addressing this critical health issue.

Despite acknowledging the book’s impressive work of fiction and its contribution to the fight for health as a human right, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai expressed concerns that the book may not be accessible to non-Hausa speaking communities, emphasizing its importance towards addressing the diseases highlighted in the book, which have caused numerous fatalities and immense suffering across various communities in the country.

“The issues discussed in the book, such as discrimination in accessing healthcare services, early marriage of girls, and engaging in multiple sexual partners, may touch upon certain religious and cultural beliefs. However, it is important to reconsider these practices and address the negative impacts they may have,” Brutai said.

Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University, Prof. Abdullahi Ibrahim, maintained that the book will be adapted as a movie to address limitations in audience reach.

“This move will help to disseminate the book’s message to a wider audience, making it more accessible and increasing its potential impact in promoting awareness and understanding of important health issues,” the Vice Chancellor who was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Shehu promised.

Reviewing the book, Prof. Adam Umar noted that “Nadama” was a fictional drama intended to raise awareness about cancer, which is a silent killer and a destroyer of families. He further explained that “Nadama” means regret and that the author had fulfilled a vital watchdog function by highlighting the negligence of government hospitals and health institutions.

“Nadama” is the 61st Hausa drama and the fifth one to be written by a female author.