Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara has reaffirmed the state's commitment to fighting cancer as the country marks Octobre Rose and Novembre Bleu, campaigns dedicated to raising awareness about female and male cancers. The President emphasized the importance of national mobilization against the disease, which affects over 20,000 people annually in Côte d'Ivoire. He highlighted that breast cancer accounts for nearly 4,850 new cases each year, followed by prostate cancer.
President Ouattara expressed solidarity with cancer patients and their families, stressing the need for enhanced prevention and awareness actions. He noted significant progress in cancer screening and care, which has improved patient survival rates. According to the President, 63 women out of 100 are in remission five years after a breast cancer diagnosis, up from 30 previously. He attributed this improvement to early detection, citing that when cancer is detected early, nine out of ten women survive.
The President highlighted Côte d'Ivoire's efforts to strengthen its healthcare system since 2011, focusing on cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. He noted that before 2018, the country had no radiotherapy units, but several institutions have since been established to enhance national cancer care capacity. These include the Centre national d'oncologie médicale et de radiothérapie Alassane Ouattara (CNRAO), university hospitals in Treichville, Yopougon, and Bouaké, and the Institut de médecine nucléaire d'Abidjan (IMENA).
President Ouattara announced plans to develop new infrastructure, including a cancer center in Grand-Bassam and regional excellence hubs. The goal is to expand healthcare services and strengthen the country's capacity to address the growing number of cancer cases. He also emphasized measures to facilitate access to treatment, particularly for vulnerable patients. Since 2019, certain expensive anticancer medications have been made free in public healthcare facilities.
The President acknowledged the efforts of First Lady Dominique Ouattara in supporting cancer patients, especially children. He noted that 90% of children with cancer receive free care at the Hôpital Mère-Enfant de Bingerville, a measure aimed at assisting families cope with the financial burden of the disease. President Ouattara also expressed gratitude to medical professionals, caregivers, associations, and non-governmental organizations that work daily with patients and their families.
President Ouattara reaffirmed his government's commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen Côte d'Ivoire's healthcare system. Key priorities include improving screening, developing specialized infrastructure, and reducing financial barriers to access. He called for sustained mobilization against cancer, emphasizing that the goal is to ensure quality healthcare and adapted care for all citizens.
The President's efforts to combat cancer reflect a broader strategy to improve healthcare in Côte d'Ivoire. The country aims to enhance its healthcare system, prioritizing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. By investing in healthcare infrastructure and services, Côte d'Ivoire seeks to address the growing burden of cancer and other health challenges.
Key points
- President Alassane Ouattara has reaffirmed Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to fighting cancer through enhanced screening and healthcare access.
- The country has made significant progress in cancer care, with improved survival rates due to early detection and expanded healthcare infrastructure.
- Côte d'Ivoire aims to continue strengthening its healthcare system, prioritizing cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
