The Level 1 Hospital of the Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT 11) serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has held a breast cancer awareness and screening exercise for female all ranks of the Battalion. The event which was held on Wednesday 25 October 2023 at the Battalion Headquarters (BNHQ) in Bentiu, South Sudan marked the global breast cancer awareness month.

The exercise which was held under the theme “Early Detection Saves Life, Get Checked Now”, was aimed at educating and promoting breast cancer awareness through sensitization, empowering women with the requisite knowledge and tools needed to live healthier lives and make informed choices about their well-being

The Guest of Honor for the ceremony, the Senior Military Liaison Officer of Sector Unity, Group Captain Paridzirai Mazhindu commended UNMISS GHANBATT Level 1 Hospital for their remarkable initiative. She explained that the effort reflected the collective commitment of the hospital towards the well-being and empowerment of Women within the United Nations (UN). She, in referring to the World Health Organization (WHO), indicated that Breast Cancer is the commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, with over 2.3 million new cases and over 685,000 deaths recorded in 2020.

She revealed that projections for 2040 indicate an inflation rate of breast cancer to about 3 million cases every year. She opined that it was in this regard WHO launched of the Global Breast Cancer initiatives to reduce breast cancer mortality by giving timely diagnosis and adequate treatment and patient management.

Gp Cpt Mazhindu reiterated that the initiative of the Level 1 Hospital of the GHANBATT in relation to the exercise embodies the profound truth that resonates deeply with the principles of health promotion, disease prevention and management.  This to her, underscores the dedication of the UN and GHANBATT to ensuring that women within all ranks do not only have access to health care but are also equipped with the requisite knowledge and tools to prioritize their well-being proactively.

The Guest of Honor indicated that the event was a testament to the recognition of the vital role women play in the society and their unwavering commitment to their wholistic health.

The event was climaxed with breast screening by the medical team for female all ranks of UNMISS GHANBATT 11