The Groupement des Femmes Vaillantes et Dynamiques du Grand Lomé (GFVD-GL) and Women United for Action (WUFA) recently hosted a roundtable discussion in Lomé, Togo, focused on combating breast and cervical cancer. The event, themed "Prévenir pour préserver" or "Prevent to preserve," brought together healthcare professionals, associations, cancer survivors, and partners to discuss early detection and patient support. This marks the third stage of GFVD-GL's October Rose campaign.
The roundtable discussion built on previous awareness-raising activities, including social media campaigns and a sports march with screening sessions. The event featured various activities, such as breast self-examination demonstrations, testimonials from survivors, and a charity auction to support women with cancer. Honorary President of GFVD-GL, Mme Lawson Kayi Raymonde, emphasized that prevention and early detection significantly increase the chances of saving lives.
Mme Lawson Kayi Raymonde called on the government, businesses, healthcare professionals, and civil society to join forces to combat cancer. She stressed that screening must be followed by rapid diagnosis and accessible care, ensuring that no patient is denied treatment due to financial constraints. Her organization remains committed to supporting women affected by cancer throughout the year, not just during October.
Laure Kutsényon, representative of WUFA's president, highlighted the need to go beyond awareness-raising efforts. She noted that screening without adequate support can create false hope, and that sustainable mechanisms, such as solidarity funds or partnerships with healthcare providers, are necessary to finance treatments. WUFA aims to bring together associations, healthcare structures, and potential partners to support the fight against cancer.
Stéphane Awity, President of the Board of Directors of the Togolese League Against Cancer, acknowledged progress made in raising awareness in Togo but advocated for equitable access to screening and care. He called for the acceleration of the National Cancer Institute's implementation, strengthening of the national cancer registry, and improved financial accessibility to treatments, medications, and radiotherapy.
The roundtable discussion concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to prioritize prevention, screening, and patient support. Participants emphasized the importance of sustained solidarity and collective responsibility in the fight against cancer. The event demonstrated the commitment of organizations like GFVD-GL and WUFA to addressing the challenges faced by women with cancer in Togo.
The October Rose campaign and the roundtable discussion demonstrate the ongoing efforts of Togolese organizations to address the challenges of breast and cervical cancer. By engaging various stakeholders and advocating for improved support and care, these initiatives aim to make a positive impact on the lives of women affected by cancer in Togo.
Key points
- Togo's GFVD-GL and WUFA host roundtable to address breast and cervical cancer challenges
- Event emphasizes need for prevention, early detection, and accessible care
- Stakeholders call for sustained solidarity and collective responsibility in the fight against cancer
