The ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG), in collaboration with the Gambia Defence and Security Forces (GDSF), on Monday launched a breast cancer awareness campaign aimed at promoting early detection, encouraging regular screening and tackling the stigma often associated with the disease.
Held at the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Banjul as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, popularly known as Pink October, the event brought together security personnel, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of breast health and the critical role of early detection in saving lives.
The initiative highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between security institutions and health professionals in raising awareness, dispelling myths and encouraging timely medical intervention.
Speaking at the event, Aliou Tine, Force Commander of ECOMIG, said the mission's involvement in health awareness programmes reflects its understanding that lasting peace and stability cannot be achieved without safeguarding the health and well-being of citizens.
“Peace without health is incomplete,” he said, stressing that women, whom he described as the backbone of communities, must be healthy, informed and empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development.
According to him, breast cancer remains a major threat to women's health, particularly in societies where limited awareness, widespread misconceptions and fear of stigma discourage many people from seeking early medical attention.
Mr Tine explained that the awareness programme forms part of ECOMIG's civil-military cooperation activities and its contribution to national efforts to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
He noted that medical professionals participating in the programme would provide practical information on breast cancer, demonstrate breast self-examination techniques, answer participants' questions and address common misconceptions surrounding the disease.
“We want women and communities to understand that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and saves lives,” he emphasised.
In her opening remarks, Amie Nyassi, Assistant Inspector General of Police responsible for the Crime Department, who represented the Inspector General of Police, commended ECOMIG for extending its support beyond peace and security matters to issues affecting public health and community welfare.
She observed that many women serving in the police, military and other institutions often place their professional responsibilities and the needs of family members ahead of their own health concerns.
“Breast cancer does not know rank, uniform or status. It does not discriminate,” AIG Nyassi said, urging women to prioritise their health and seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual symptoms.
She identified awareness creation, regular clinical screening and open discussions about breast health as essential measures in the fight against breast cancer.
The senior police officer further encouraged security institutions to promote routine screening within their medical facilities and called on colleagues to support women undergoing treatment without prejudice or discrimination.
AIG Nyassi also underscored the important role men can play in supporting the fight against breast cancer, urging them to encourage their wives, sisters, relatives and colleagues to undergo regular screening and help break the silence surrounding the disease.
She stressed that breast cancer should never be viewed as a source of shame, but rather as a medical condition that requires prompt attention, professional care and community support.
The awareness programme concluded with renewed calls for greater public education, routine screening and stronger partnerships between health professionals and security institutions to improve early detection and reduce the impact of breast cancer across the country.
