The 5th edition of Mali's national Octobre Rose campaign was launched on October 8, 2026, at the Bamako International Conference Centre. The event was presided over by the Minister of Health and Social Development. This year's campaign focuses on "access to information, an essential tool in the fight against breast and cervical cancers." The launch brought together government officials, administrative authorities, technical and financial partners, healthcare professionals, associations, and civil society actors.
The campaign aims to raise awareness and promote early screening for breast and cervical cancers. Speakers at the launch praised the efforts of authorities and partners while calling for increased awareness, screening, financial access to care, treatment availability, and support for patients. The Dutch ambassador, representing technical and financial partners, emphasized that investing in women's health is investing in a country's future.
A young woman living with cancer shared her poignant testimony, highlighting the challenges faced by patients. The event featured cultural performances, including a slam on the importance of early screening. The Minister of Health thanked partners, NGOs, healthcare professionals, researchers, and women's associations for their commitment. She urged all institutional and social actors to unite for the campaign's success.
The launch included the handover of thermocoagulation devices to several Bamako hospital structures to improve the management of precancerous lesions. Ten-year-old adolescents received human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine doses. Mobile clinics set up in the CICB courtyard allowed women to undergo screening, demonstrating the authorities' commitment to bringing prevention services closer to the population.
Through this campaign, health authorities reaffirm their commitment to promoting information, early screening, and better access to care to effectively combat female cancers. The event showcased the government's efforts to address the issue, with the minister emphasizing the importance of collaboration and investment in women's health.
The Octobre Rose campaign has become an annual event in Mali, with previous editions contributing to increased awareness and screening for breast and cervical cancers. This year's campaign is expected to build on past successes, with a focus on improving access to information and care for women.
The campaign's impact will be closely monitored, with authorities and partners working together to ensure its success. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to fighting female cancers and promoting women's health in Mali.
Key points
- Mali's health ministry launches 5th Octobre Rose campaign to raise awareness and promote early screening for breast and cervical cancers.
