Ghana Health News-A massive crowd of people estimated around five thousand last Saturday joined Breast Care International (BCI), an international non-governmental organization to walk through the principal streets of Tamale to drum home the need to find the cure to breast cancer disease.
Popularly called the ‘Walk for the Cure’, this annual event highlights the effects of breast cancer on women particularly, on a national platform.
The walk is also used to whip up interest in stakeholders in the health industry to do more in educating the population about breast cancer, its attendant effects and the available treatments for the disease.
The Tamale walk, the 8th edition saw high ranking personalities and chiefs of the towns in the Tamale metropolis, the youth, health groups, the security services, breast cancer survivors as well as many others participating in the over six (6) hour event which climaxed at the Tamale Stadium with both government officials, partners of BCI and the main organizers giving speeches to sensitize the public about the disease.
REGIONAL MINISTER:
Speaking to the audience after the walk, the Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Salifu Saaeed noted government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that are aimed at giving the populace relief in the area of health.
BCI, he noted has led the way of seeking to better the lot of women who unfortunately have had to suffer from breast cancer.
The task, he stated is for stakeholders in the health sector to collaborate and sensitize the public about the breast cancer disease.
From indications and reports, the Minister noted many are unaware of the disease and the threats it present to the populace.
‘’I urge all stakeholders in the health care industry to double up their efforts so that we can help educate the public about the threat of breast cancer and the available treatments that are there for those who unfortunately are dealing with same’’, Alhaji Saaeed stated passionately.
PRESIDENT OF BCI:
Speaking to the Ghanaian Observer Newspaper after addressing the crowd, Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai commended the various groups that joined walk and thanked the Tamale Municipal Assembly as well as the Northern Regional Coordinating Council as well as the chiefs in the area for providing security and support to ensure the success of the health walk.
She noted the desire of BCI to carry out more of such outdoor sensitization programs to prick the conscience of the society about breast cancer.
The disease, she noted presents a challenge to the Ghanaian authorities to ensure they educate the populace so they become aware of same.
Many, she noted still have a lot of myths and misconceptions about breast cancer and this she added has made the fight a herculean one.
She however urged the public, especially women to report any unusual and abnormal feelings they see in their breasts to the hospital early so as to be able to access care.
‘’As we walk and conduct these national exercises and screenings we at BCI are committed to creating the needed awareness about breast cancer and to make known to the people of Ghana that treatment is available once they report signs they see to the hospital. We are also sure of finding a cure for the disease when we commit more resources into research work’’, Dr Wiafe Addai passionately stressed.
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