To mark the end of the month dedicated to the fight against breast diseases, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family hosted a major awareness session on October 30, 2026. This highly impactful social initiative was carried out in synergy with the Ministry of Public Health to equip public servants to meet the challenges of screening and prevention.
Mobilization against the health scourges affecting women remains strong in Cameroon. As October—the month dedicated to combating breast pathologies—came to a close, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family made a lasting impression with a major initiative. Under the leadership of Minister Prof. Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, née Obama, a large-scale awareness session was held on Friday, October 30, 2026, on the esplanade of the ministry’s annex building. Bringing together staff from central and decentralized services based in the Mfoundi division, the event reflected a clear commitment to transforming public administration into a sanctuary for prevention and well-being.
Conducted in perfect synergy with the Ministry of Public Health, this strategic meeting primarily aimed to equip public servants to address the complex realities of breast cancer and other female cancers. The stakes were high: the goal was to provide every worker with the key insights needed to identify warning signs and dismantle the irrational fears that still too often surround the disease. In her address, the Minister emphasized that the fight against these pathologies is not a mere routine event on the calendar, but a permanent battle to protect the nation’s vital workforce—starting with the women who drive the heart of public administration.
At the core of the day’s educational sessions, a masterclass presented by Dr. Ze Kakanou Florence, Permanent Secretary of the National Council for Cancer Control, captivated the audience. She invited attendees to take action by getting screened immediately by the medical team present on-site. Addressing MINPROFF’s extended professional family directly, she urged all staff to take advantage of the MINSANTE team’s presence to get clear answers to any concerns regarding cancer. Furthermore, she emphasized the multiplier effect of this initiative, encouraging every employee to continue raising awareness within their families and communities after the session to ensure the widespread dissemination of life-saving information on breast cancer.
Four main pillars structured the discussions and workshops of this proactive effort. The session first thoroughly examined environmental, genetic, and behavioral risk factors so that individuals could adjust their daily lifestyles. The second pillar highlighted the imperative need for early detection—a critical shield capable of reversing mortality rates through the prompt identification of lesions before they become incurable. Experts present also emphasized the active promotion of prevention through the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices and regular medical follow-ups, stressing that good health is achieved through foresight. Finally, the meeting informed staff on appropriate referral pathways to specialized healthcare facilities, ensuring concrete improvements in care management in the event of a confirmed diagnosis.
The impact of this day extends far beyond a simple educational session. By creating an open, supportive space for dialogue, MINPROFF demonstrated that the social protection of its personnel relies on open communication and access to reliable medical information. Participants left better prepared, fully aware that ignorance remains the disease’s most formidable ally. Through this remarkable initiative, the ministry forcefully reaffirmed that when facing cancer, accurate information, fearless screening, and institutional solidarity stand as the most powerful weapons to save lives and build a more secure future for Cameroonian families.
