Kofi Ampeah Woode
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) Level 1 Hospital has held a breast cancer awareness and screening exercise for female all ranks of the Battalion.
The event which was held on Wednesday 25 October 2023 at the Battalion Headquarters (BNHQ) in Bentiu, South Sudan marked the global breast cancer awareness month.
Held under the theme “Early Detection Saves Life, Get Checked Now”, the event sought to educate and promote breast cancer awareness through sensitization, and also aimed at empowering women with the requisite knowledge and tools needed to live healthier lives and make informed choices about their well-being.
The Guest of Honor for the ceremony, the Senior Military Liaison Officer of Sector Unity – Group Captain (Gp Capt) Paridzirai Mazhindu, in her address commended UNMISS GHANBATT Level 1 hospital for their remarkable initiative, which reflects the collective commitment to the well-being and empowerment of Women within the United Nations (UN).
She stated that, Breast Cancer is the commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO), with over 2.3 million new cases and over 685,000 deaths recorded in 2020, and that projections for 2040 indicate an inflation rate of breast cancer to about 3 million cases every year.
She added that, the recent launch of the Global Breast Cancer initiatives by the WHO, aims to reduce breast cancer mortality by giving timely diagnosis and adequate treatment and patient management.
Gp Cpt Mazhindu reiterated that GHANBATT’s Level 1 Hospital’s initiative in relation to the exercise embodies the profound truth that resonates deeply with the principles of health promotion, disease prevention and management.
This to her, underscores UN and GHANBATT’s dedication to ensure that, women within all ranks do not only have access to health care, but are also equipped with the requisite knowledge and tools to prioritize their well-being proactively.
The Guest of Honour indicated that, the event was a testament to the recognition of the vital role women play in the society and their unwavering commitment to their holistic health.
The event was climaxed with breast screening by the medical team for female all ranks of UNMISS GHANBATT 11. Also present at the event were the Senior Medical Officer, the Principal Nursing Officer and the Medical Officer.
Credit: UNMISS GH11 PI CELL
