Anambra State Association of Women USA Inc. (ASA Women USA) N4m Cancer Bill Aid Reaches Four Anambra Survivors

 

The burden of cancer treatment remains a heavy cross for many families in Nigeria, particularly for women in underserved communities. This reality, however, is seeing a change thanks to the tireless efforts of the Anambra State Association of Women USA Inc. (ASA Women USA) and its Cancer Coalition in Nigeria.

With a combined gesture of compassion and commitment, the organization recently offset N4 million worth of medical bills for four cancer patients drawn from various communities across Anambra State. The beneficiaries—Mary Nwosa and Tochukwu Chukwuka from Umuoji and Utuh (Idemili North and Nnewi South LGAs, respectively), alongside Ukamaka Okoli and Chigozie Nwankwo from Ufuma in Orumba North—each received symbolic cheques of N1 million presented on ceremonial boards. The actual sums, however, are being disbursed directly to the hospitals administering treatment to ensure proper accountability and application of the funds.

At the cheque presentation event, Dr. Uche Umeh, founder of ASA Women USA, reaffirmed the organization's resolve to address critical health challenges faced by women in Anambra. Represented by the South-East Coordinator, Mrs. Ebele Obiakonze, Dr. Umeh emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader mission of the association—to enable every woman to live a full, healthy, and productive life.

“Our interventions have reached various communities through medical missions,” Obiakonze stated, “but this time, we are focusing on four courageous women battling cancer. Their resilience inspired us, and we are determined to stand by them through their treatment and recovery.”

Efforts by ASA Women USA are not new to the people of Anambra. Over the years, their medical outreaches have provided lifesaving interventions across towns including Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi. Past beneficiaries of the association’s health missions have undergone surgeries and treatments that would have otherwise been out of reach due to financial constraints.

Stories like that of Ijeoma, a woman once diagnosed with a massive abdominal tumor and successfully treated through ASA’s support, continue to reinforce the necessity of their interventionist approach.

The organization’s transparency-first philosophy was clearly evident in the current scheme. Rather than disbursing funds directly to the patients, the association opted for a more controlled route—paying hospitals directly. According to Media Coordinator for ASA Women USA in Anambra, Ify Unachukwu, this ensures that every naira is spent precisely where it is needed.

“We’re not just giving out money,” Unachukwu said. “This is about responsible giving. We pay hospitals directly to ensure the funds serve their true purpose. It's an approach grounded in integrity and results.”

Another layer of ASA Women’s vision was revealed during the event: plans are already underway to establish a cancer treatment center in Amichi, Anambra State. For an area with limited access to cancer-specific facilities, this development promises to be a game-changer. The center, once realized, will cater not just to treatment but also early detection and prevention—two pillars of effective cancer control.

“There is a future we see,” Unachukwu added, “where women in our communities no longer face death sentences due to late-stage cancer diagnoses. A dedicated center in Amichi is our next big dream, and each of these small steps gets us closer.”

The present initiative was made possible through partnerships with institutions like Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) Teaching Hospital in Amaku Awka and other regional hospitals. ASA Women USA continues to collaborate with medical professionals to ensure that patients receive the best care available.

In an environment where many health-related challenges are left unaddressed due to systemic gaps and economic hardship, ASA Women USA’s annual medical interventions have become a beacon of hope. The latest N4 million commitment adds to the growing legacy of a diaspora-led organization that has stayed rooted in compassion, duty, and impact.

For the four women now undergoing treatment, this support may mean more than just financial relief—it may be the very lifeline they need to reclaim their health and future.

As the group looks ahead to expanding its scope and deepening its presence in the state, one message remains clear: women helping women can—and will—transform lives.