The "Yoka Biso" campaign, organized by the Tuluka Foundation, was launched on October 4, 2026, in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage screening for breast and cervical cancer among women. According to Bijoux Djemelas Nzila, National Coordinator of the Tuluka Foundation, the campaign targets at least 5,000 women, emphasizing that prevention and early detection are crucial in the fight against cancer.
The campaign was launched during a capacity-building workshop for healthcare professionals and stakeholders. Dr. Francis Ebola, an oncologist-gynecologist, highlighted the significance of the campaign, stating that cancer is a major public health problem in the DRC, affecting not only patients but also their families and communities. He emphasized that breast and cervical cancer are not personal issues, but rather a collective responsibility that requires the involvement of families, communities, healthcare professionals, and all concerned actors.
Dr. Ebola stressed the importance of early detection and proper medical follow-up in the treatment of cancer. He noted that cancer is curable if diagnosed early, and that several lives are lost due to late consultation, when the disease has already spread to other organs. The doctor also identified risk factors for breast cancer, including age, heredity, personal medical history, hormonal factors, and prolonged use of certain contraceptives.
The "Yoka Biso" campaign aims to strengthen information dissemination, encourage women to seek information, and promote screening by competent healthcare professionals. The campaign's organizers believe that by working together, they can make a significant impact in the fight against breast and cervical cancer. The launch of the campaign was attended by healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and representatives of the Tuluka Foundation.
The capacity-building workshop that preceded the launch of the campaign equipped participants with knowledge on the challenges linked to cancer prevention, awareness, and screening. The workshop was described as a success, with active participation from panelists and attendees who contributed to the discussions and sharing of knowledge on cancer prevention and screening.
The "Yoka Biso" campaign is part of the October Rose initiative, a global movement aimed at raising awareness and promoting action against breast cancer. The campaign's launch in Kinshasa marks an important step in the fight against cancer in the DRC, and highlights the need for collective action to address this major public health challenge.
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant challenges in the fight against cancer, including limited access to healthcare services and a lack of awareness about cancer prevention and screening. The "Yoka Biso" campaign aims to address these challenges by promoting awareness, education, and screening, and by encouraging women to take an active role in their health and well-being.
Key points
- The "Yoka Biso" campaign aims to screen at least 5,000 women for breast and cervical cancer.
- Cancer is a major public health problem in the DRC, with significant consequences for patients, families, and communities.
- Early detection and proper medical follow-up are crucial in the treatment of cancer.
