A sensitization session on breast and cervical cancer prevention was held in Bunia on October 28, 2026, for about sixty women police officers and community leaders. The event was organized by the United Nations Police (UNPOL) Women's Network and the UNPOL Gender Cell. This activity marked the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, also known as October Rose. The session aimed to educate participants on risk factors, prevention methods, and the importance of early screening for these cancers.
The session included forty-seven women and six men from UNPOL, the Congolese National Police (PNC), and several women's organizations in Bunia. The discussions were led by Captain Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba Mané, the chief medical officer of the Senegalese constituted police unit (SEN-FPU), and Dr. Josée Wanican, a gynecologist. They emphasized that better knowledge of prevention methods and regular screening can significantly reduce the risks associated with these two cancers.
The participants were engaged in both theoretical presentations and practical exercises on breast self-examination to facilitate the early detection of potential anomalies. According to the organizers, awareness remains one of the most effective means of combating these diseases, which are often diagnosed late. The participants pledged to relay prevention messages to other women and young girls in their communities.
The participants also requested that such campaigns be organized throughout the year, beyond just October Rose. They emphasized the importance of sustained efforts to educate women about breast and cervical cancer prevention. The MONUSCO initiative aims to contribute to the strengthening of health prevention and the promotion of women's rights in the province of Ituri.
In addition to cancer prevention, the participants received information on the prevention of Ebola and the reporting of sexual and gender-based violence. The MONUSCO initiative seeks to promote a culture of health awareness and respect for women's rights in the region. The event provided a platform for women to engage in discussions on critical health issues affecting their communities.
The sensitization session was part of MONUSCO's efforts to support women's empowerment and health in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The organization recognizes the importance of addressing health issues that disproportionately affect women, such as breast and cervical cancer. By engaging with women police officers and community leaders, MONUSCO aims to create a ripple effect of awareness and education on these critical health issues.
The collaboration between UNPOL, the Congolese National Police, and local women's organizations demonstrates a concerted effort to promote women's health and well-being in the region. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to continue awareness-raising efforts on breast and cervical cancer prevention, as well as other critical health issues affecting women in Bunia and beyond.
Key points
- MONUSCO, through UNPOL, organized a breast and cervical cancer awareness session for women police officers and community leaders in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.
- The session aimed to educate participants on risk factors, prevention methods, and the importance of early screening for breast and cervical cancers.
- The participants pledged to relay prevention messages to other women and young girls in their communities and requested sustained efforts to educate women about breast and cervical cancer prevention.
