My Millennium Fellowship project focused on promoting breast cancer awareness among
adolescent girls and women in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. Aligned with SDG 3: Good Health
and Well-being, the project sought to increase understanding of early detection, prevention,
and the importance of regular breast self-examination.
As the President of the Nigerian Association of Public Health Students (NAPHS), UNIOSUN, I
implemented this initiative not only to address a crucial health issue but also to create a
platform for other public health students to gain practical experience in community
engagement. This leadership position also enabled me to secure sponsorship for the production
of educational materials, making the outreach more impactful.
DEMONSTRATION
The outreach was conducted in two phases to reach both young girls and adult women within
the community.
The first phase was held at CAC Grammar School, Osogbo, where we sensitized over 300
students about breast cancer prevention, warning signs, and the importance of breast self-
examination. The session was interactive and engaging, ensuring that participants could
understand and relate to the message despite their varying levels of knowledge.
The second phase took place on Friday, November 24th, immediately after Jummah prayers at
a local mosque. This session was designed for women and mothers, creating a comfortable
environment to discuss a topic that is often considered sensitive. We shared key information
about risk factors, early detection, and myths surrounding breast cancer.
Across both phases, we distributed 200 customized notebooks containing summarized
information on breast cancer causes, symptoms, preventive measures, and self-examination
steps. Though producing these notebooks was six times more expensive than printing simple
pamphlets, I made that choice because, as I learned during the Millennium Fellowship, helping
is not the same as being helpful. I wanted something durable — a resource the beneficiaries
could use daily and continuously learn from.