On October 10, 2026, in Libreville, Gabon's First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema was awarded a prestigious honor by the Ministry of Health for her dedication to fighting female cancers. This recognition was given during the official launch of the 2026 edition of Octobre Rose, a campaign aimed at raising awareness about breast and cervical cancers. The event was reported by the Gabon Press Agency.
The award acknowledges the efforts of Zita Oligui Nguema and her Foundation, Ma Bannière, which have been collaborating with the government and healthcare sector actors since 2023 to prevent and screen for female cancers. Their initiatives include awareness campaigns, promoting early screening, and disseminating information on these diseases. The goal is to encourage women to undergo regular screenings, even in the absence of symptoms, to ensure early detection and improve treatment outcomes.
The Foundation Ma Bannière has also contributed to strengthening Gabon's healthcare system through a partnership with the Merck Foundation. This partnership supports specialized training programs for Gabonese healthcare professionals, particularly in oncology. On March 26, 2026, six Gabonese doctors received their fellowship certificates under a joint program between the two foundations. This initiative aims to enhance national medical expertise and improve cancer patient care.
Zita Oligui Nguema's engagement in the fight against female cancers is part of a broader national effort to address the health challenges faced by women in Gabon. By supporting awareness and education campaigns, as well as improving access to healthcare services, her foundation seeks to make a tangible impact on the lives of many women. The recognition she received underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in combating cancer.
The Octobre Rose campaign, now in its 2026 edition, continues to be a significant event in Gabon's health calendar. It not only raises awareness about female cancers but also encourages women to take proactive steps towards their health. Through such initiatives, the government and partner organizations aim to reduce the incidence of and mortality from breast and cervical cancers.
The award given to Zita Oligui Nguema highlights the critical role that leaders and organizations play in mobilizing communities against health threats. By championing the cause of cancer prevention and control, she sets an example for others to follow. Her efforts, along with those of her foundation, contribute to a larger movement towards improving women's health in Gabon.
As Gabon continues to tackle the challenges posed by female cancers, the collaboration between government entities, foundations like Ma Bannière, and healthcare professionals will be crucial. The recognition of Zita Oligui Nguema's work serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done in ensuring that women have access to quality healthcare services that can significantly improve their quality of life and survival rates.
Key points
- Zita Oligui Nguema was honored for her efforts in combating female cancers during the launch of Octobre Rose 2026.
- The First Lady's foundation, Ma Bannière, has been working to prevent and screen for female cancers since 2023.
- The Merck Foundation has partnered with Ma Bannière to support specialized training for Gabonese healthcare professionals in oncology.
