Dr William Bapigaan organizes Plateau Youth health symposium in commemoration of birthday

By Golok Nanmwa,Jos

Youth activist and Resident Doctor at Jos University Teaching Hospital Dr William Bapigaan (Bapi) has sponsored free medical treatment for hundreds of people in Jos south and Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State in celebration of his birthday .

The medical outreach which commenced On Monday at the Azi Nyako Youth center Dadi Kowa was carried out by medical experts tagged Plateau Youth health symposium 2019 with the theme “Staying alive for the sustainable growth and development of Plateau state .”

Our correspondent reports that there were also health talks and lectures on suicide prevention and cervical cancer .

Speaking to journalist in Jos Dr Williams said the services to be provided to patients includes, general consultation, hepatisis B and C screening , Hiv screening ,Blood pressure test , administration of free drugs, .

In his words” We are here today to implement a free medical outreach programme “

“The maiden Plateau Youth Health symposium was conceived out of the need to give back to the society that has indeed done so much to make us who we have become today .”The theme staying alive for the sustainable growth and development of Plateau state was carefully chosen to raise awareness and action towards curbing the raising rate of suicide amongst young persons on the Plateau as well as increase knowledge of cervical cancer .”

There is also the need for regular hepatitis screening to enable early treatment.

Suicide has become a menace in our society and, i thought it wise to advise our youths

“People need to be sensitised on the negative effect of suicide; young people must know that suicide is not an option.

“People don’t necessarily have to take their lives because they are passing through some difficulties,” he said.

He also called on parents to pay special attention to their families, adding that neglect by parents remained a key factor that was contributing to the rising spate of suicide among the youths.

“Government needs to put more effort in addressing poverty, unemployment and other pertinent social issues.

I call on young people to desist from taking their lives, as the future of the country laid in their hands.

Bapi called on young people to reform their minds and change their attitudes, pointing our that suicide was not a solution to whatever one was passing through.

” He further said figures from the World Health organization places cervical cancer as a leading cause of death in women in 2018 accounting for 6.6 percent of all cancer deaths in females in 2018

In Nigeria cervical cancer remains an important cause of mortality amongst women .

Early detection of cancer and precancers greatly improves survival

We also want people to ask questions and try to change their mindsets from the myths and misconceptions about cancer,” he said.

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Dr William Bapigaan Organizes Plateau Youth Health Symposium in Commemoration of Birthday