The First Lady of Ondo State, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu -Akeredolu has reiterated that information technology can help in creating more awareness on breast cancer across the nation.
She made this observation during the grand finale of Breast Cancer Hackathon, a tech competition organised by Emerging Communities Africa and powered by Access Bank at the Curator’s Hub, Akure.
Arabirin Akeredolu who noted that awareness is the first step to combating cancer equally charged the program participants to spread the message that breast cancer is not a death sentence if detected early and managed on time.
“Awareness is the entry point to solving the menace of breast cancer in our society. You need to know what you’re dealing with before the disease can be treated.
” We should all take home the message that breast cancer no longer kills. It no longer kills when it is detected early. ” she said.
Speaking on the essence of the competition, the wife of the Governor stressed that the nation must take advantage of the different means provided by ICT to spread news on how breast cancer can be detected and cured.
Mrs. Akeredolu also used the opportunity to stress the need to translate information on breast cancer into Nigerian languages so as to foster grassroot and rural awareness.
The competition had 35 contestants out of which 6 were selected for the final pitching. At the end of the event, 3 contestants emerged winners.
The third Double Tap, created an Artificial Intelligence machine learning Algorithm that helps Doctor’s record patients history and predict breast cancer. While BCC designed a wearable bra and bracelet that helps detect breast cancer. The group, Bossom Heart emerged the overall winner and got cash gifts for creating an Artificial Intelligence App that connects women with medical practitioners.
Also in attendance at the event were some of the girls who participated in the just concluded BEMORE Bootcamp where over 400 girls were trained in ICT and Solar Technology among others.