Raising awareness on cervical, uterine and breast cancer prevention and encouraging vulnerable groups to enroll in health mutuals. These are the objectives of the panel organized by the women’s health mutual network of Patte d’Oie (REFEM/MUSCAPO), in
collaboration with the Nabil Choucair Health Center and CICODEV.
As part of its activities of Pink October, a month devoted to raising awareness among the population on the prevention of cervical and breast cancer, on November 2, 2020, the women’s health mutual network of Patte d’Oie (REFEM/MUSCAPO) in collaboration with the Nabil Choucair Health Center and CICODEV, held a panel under the theme “The prevention of cervical and breast cancer.”
Under the presidency of the Primary Health Care Supervisor who came to represent the Chief Medical Officer. The panel was attended by the bajènu gox (communal godmothers), community relays, leaders of organized groups from the Parcelles Assainies, Grand Médine, Cité Mixta and Patte d’Oie communities…CICODEV offered technical and financial support to the organization to help achieve this outreach activity.
The panel mainly focused on cervical and breast cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. To this effect, a film was projected to better communicate the signs of cancer and its consequences. At the end of the screening, the participants asked questions and gave testimonials of their personal experiences or those of the members of their entourage. Among other things, prevention, early detection for effective management of the disease, the cost of treatment, its duration, etc. were noted.
At the social level, stigmatization and stress, which are very burdensome and depressing factors for cervical and breast cancer carriers, were highlighted. Advocacy on reducing the costs of testing and treatment was made to minimize the deaths of more than 2000 cases per year. In this respect, the issue of registration into health mutual schemes was developed by the stakeholders, given the easy access to health care that they offer. In this light, some cases involving endogenous health financing mechanisms were shared in order to encourage organized groups to develop and move towards health mutual health schemes. CICODEV’s research officer, Mrs. Awa Coulibaly, provided information on the possibility of meeting the costs of service provision through local initiatives developed by grassroots groups.
Efforts are being made regarding prevention, such as, vaccinating girls that are 9 years of age, initially—an effort that will also be extended to young boys. However, the question was raised about whether or not the vaccine will be accepted by the community with regards to the 2nd round which coincided with the Covid 19 pandemic. According to the testimonies of the Bajènu gox (communal godmothers) who took part in the panel and who were heavily involved in this activity, many cases of refusal were noted. Hence, the need for advocacy to get parents to accept the vaccine for their daughters. Also, a video was projected on cancer that should enable community players to better establish their communication and convince their target audience during their outreach activities. The Bajènu gox took advantage of the panel to request capacity building sessions.
It was also suggested to project awareness podcasts on cancer and other diseases in health structures. The Nabil Choucair health center is in favor of this suggestion and progress has been noted for its implementation, according to the Primary Health Care Supervisor.