The Guinean Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene organized a march on October 31 to close Octobre Rose, a series of activities aimed at fighting cancer in women. The march, called "Tous unis contre les cancers" (All united against cancer), started at the Palais du Peuple and ended at the Pont 8 novembre. It brought together members of the Presidency, government, defense and security forces, healthcare professionals, and curious onlookers.
Health Minister Khaité Sall explained that the civil-military march aimed to give a special dimension to the closure of Octobre Rose. She emphasized that the event sent a strong message of national unity around the health and well-being of the population. Sall highlighted the importance of early screening and access to care, announcing the introduction of the HPV vaccine in 2027 and the construction of a cancer center in Conakry.
According to Minister Sall, the HPV vaccine will help prevent cervical cancer, and the new cancer center will improve the management of all types of cancer in Guinea. She stressed that these initiatives demonstrate the government's commitment to fighting cancer. The minister's announcement was well-received by participants, who showed their support for the fight against cancer.
Dr. Jean-Marie Kipela, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Guinea, attended the march and emphasized that the fight against breast and cervical cancer should not be limited to October. He cited global statistics, noting that in 2024, 2.4 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 694,000 died from it. Kipela also highlighted the importance of early screening, diagnosis, and care in Guinea.
Dr. Kipela recommended vaccinating young girls aged 9-14 against cervical cancer. He also noted that in Guinea, about 10 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every day, often at a late stage. The WHO representative encouraged participants to continue the fight against cancer beyond Octobre Rose.
General Ibrahima Sory Bangoura, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, praised the proximity between the army and the population, which was demonstrated by the civil-military march. He congratulated the organizers of Octobre Rose and highlighted the significance of the event, which coincided with the army's week of activities.
The civil-military march marked a successful closure of Octobre Rose in Guinea, demonstrating the country's commitment to fighting cancer. Key initiatives, such as the introduction of the HPV vaccine and the construction of a cancer center, are expected to improve cancer management in the country.
Key points
- The Guinean government plans to introduce the HPV vaccine in 2027 and build a cancer center in Conakry to improve cancer care.
