Chad's Niamy Specialized Hospital launched a breast cancer awareness campaign on October 6, 2026, offering free consultations, voluntary screenings, and conferences. The campaign, themed "Toute la nation se mobilise. Ensemble, sauvons des vies" (The whole nation mobilizes. Together, let's save lives), aims to encourage women to seek medical attention without waiting for symptoms to appear. According to Dr. Fatima Ahmat Adelrahamane Haggard, coordinator of the National Cancer Control Program, early detection is crucial in treating cancer.
The campaign addresses a concerning reality: women's cancers are often discovered too late. Dr. Haggard emphasized that breast and cervical cancers do not cause pain in their early stages, making it essential for women to undergo regular check-ups. The hospital's campaign includes a scientific seminar, and Dr. Elhaj Idris Tibin, Director General of Niamy Hospital, stated that the hospital's mission goes beyond treatment, including prevention, information, and encouraging people to seek medical attention.
The previous edition of the campaign reached over two million people and screened 8,633 women, detecting hundreds of precancerous lesions. Dr. Tibin aims to make this operation a long-term effort, and Dr. Mohamed Abdelkarim Tirkawi, Director of Medical Administration, stressed the importance of medical follow-up and psychological and family support. The campaign will continue beyond consultations, with events like "N'Djamena en Rose" on October 24, 2026, and a solidarity day on October 31.
Dr. Haggard encouraged women to seek medical attention without waiting for symptoms, saying, "n'attendez pas d'avoir mal pour consulter" (don't wait until it hurts to consult). She also urged men to accompany their female partners to the hospital. The campaign's goal is to make prevention a collective responsibility.
The campaign's organizers believe that early detection can significantly improve treatment and survival chances. According to Dr. Haggard, detecting a lesion early can prevent it from developing into cancer. However, fear, lack of information, and financial difficulties still prevent some women from seeking medical attention.
Niamy Hospital's campaign is part of a larger national effort to combat cancer. The hospital's administration is committed to providing medical care and encouraging people to take preventive measures. Dr. Tirkawi emphasized the importance of follow-up care and support for patients.
The campaign will continue throughout the year, with various events and activities aimed at raising awareness about women's cancers. The organizers hope to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of women in Chad.
Key points
- Free consultations and screenings are available at Niamy Hospital as part of the breast cancer awareness campaign.
- Early detection is crucial in treating cancer, according to Dr. Fatima Ahmat Adelrahamane Haggard.
- The campaign aims to make prevention a collective responsibility.
