The Rotary Club Abidjan Akwaba recently organized a free cancer screening event in Béoumi, Côte d'Ivoire, as part of its "Octobre Rose à Béoumi" campaign. On October 10, 2026, the club provided free breast and cervical cancer screening to women from the city and surrounding villages. This initiative aims to promote early detection and treatment of these diseases. According to Edmond Konzan, president of the club, the event targeted around 2,000 women.

The event was graced by several notable figures, including Asséman Koffi Patrick, the prefect of Béoumi, who represented the sponsor of the ceremony, Yua Koffi, president of the Court of Cassation. The prefect commended the Rotary Club Abidjan Akwaba for its efforts and called for collective mobilization against cancer. He emphasized that the "Octobre Rose" campaign should raise awareness, encourage medical consultations, and facilitate access to screening and support for those affected.

Dr. Lavri Roland, representing the director of the Béoumi Department of Health, Hygiene, and Universal Health Coverage, urged the population to visit health centers for screening and adopt healthy habits and lifestyles. He stressed the importance of preventive measures in reducing the risk of cancer. The event also featured a testimony from Mahan Chantal, a mother who lost her daughter to cervical cancer in 2025.

Mahan Chantal shared her experience of the challenges and expenses associated with seeking medical care before her daughter's passing. She encouraged women to undergo screening to prevent similar situations and reduce the impact of these diseases on families and society. Her testimony highlighted the significance of early detection and the need for support for those affected.

The Rotary Club Abidjan Akwaba's initiative is part of a larger effort to combat cancer in Côte d'Ivoire. The club plans to provide support to women who require medical care, with the assistance of local healthcare professionals. Edmond Konzan emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in improving treatment and recovery chances.

The "Octobre Rose" campaign is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about female cancers. The campaign aims to educate women about the risks and consequences of breast and cervical cancer, as well as promote access to screening and treatment. This event in Béoumi is one of many initiatives taking place across Côte d'Ivoire to mark the occasion.

The free cancer screening event in Béoumi was a significant success, with hundreds of women benefiting from the services provided. The Rotary Club Abidjan Akwaba's efforts have contributed to the well-being of the local community, and the event has raised awareness about the importance of cancer screening and prevention.

Key points

  • The Rotary Club Abidjan Akwaba screened approximately 2,000 women for breast and cervical cancer in Béoumi, Côte d'Ivoire.
  • The event was part of the "Octobre Rose à Béoumi" campaign, which aims to promote early detection and treatment of female cancers.
  • Local authorities and healthcare professionals supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collective action against cancer.

Share this story

Written by

SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.