The President of Djibouti's National Assembly, Dileita Mohamed Dileita, chaired a cancer awareness workshop on October 29, 2026, at the National Representation headquarters. The event, organized in collaboration with the Alliance of Women Physicians, focused on preventing female cancers, particularly breast and cervical cancer, as part of the international Pink October campaign. The workshop brought together key stakeholders, including Health Minister Mouna Osman Aden and Women's and Family Minister Hana Farah Assoweh.
In his opening speech, President Dileita emphasized the National Assembly's responsibility in supporting public health policies, highlighting the need for concerted efforts to combat female cancers. He stressed the severe consequences of late diagnoses, including financial burdens and family hardship, often requiring patients to seek treatment abroad. President Dileita underscored the importance of information, prevention, and early screening in improving treatment outcomes.
Health Minister Mouna Osman Aden affirmed that prevention and early screening are essential priorities in the fight against female cancers. Women's and Family Minister Hana Farah Assoweh emphasized the importance of awareness, family mobilization, and support for women's access to healthcare. The workshop discussed several key issues, including expanding access to early screening and diagnosis, particularly in rural areas.
Participants also highlighted the need to strengthen technical and human capacities in healthcare structures and improve financial access to treatments. The discussions emphasized the importance of consolidating social protection and health insurance systems, while promoting coordination between public institutions, healthcare professionals, and organizations involved in cancer prevention.
The National Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing public health concerns, within its legislative, budgetary, and oversight capacities. This initiative demonstrates the Assembly's willingness to contribute to a more inclusive public action, based on territorial equity, prevention, and improved access to healthcare.
The workshop built on the momentum of Pink October, demonstrating the National Assembly's engagement in promoting health and well-being for all citizens. The event showcased the collaboration between the National Assembly, government ministers, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations in addressing critical public health issues.
Through this initiative, the National Assembly aims to sustainably prioritize public health concerns, ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services for all Djiboutians. The Assembly's efforts focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancers, ultimately enhancing the health and well-being of the population.
Key points
- The National Assembly of Djibouti hosted a cancer awareness workshop to promote prevention and early screening of female cancers.
- The workshop emphasized the importance of expanding access to early screening and diagnosis, particularly in rural areas.
- The event demonstrated the collaboration between the National Assembly, government ministers, healthcare professionals, and civil society organizations in addressing critical public health issues.
