The CSRS Gender Unit in collaboration with the Taabo HDSS, organized on Friday October 25, 2024, its 4th edition of 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐫𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 in the Taabo department. This half-day event was dedicated to raising awareness and providing free breast cancer screening for women from the villages of Kénéssou and Taabo Village, who turned out in large numbers for the occasion.

On arrival in Taabo, the delegation led by Dr. Estelle Kabran, Head of the said unit, was received by the warm and dynamic Taabo team headed by Dr. Bognan Valentin, representing Dr. Siaka Koné, Head of the Taabo HDSS, and then taken to the offices of Mme Traoré Mariam, Sub-Prefect of the Taabo department.

“It's a real pleasure for the Taabo sub-prefecture to host such an activity organized by the CSRS for the women of our locality, when we know that breast cancer is real and disrupts lives. Awareness-raising and early detection are therefore important if we are to save these lives. I'd like to thank the CSRS for this initiative,” declared the Sub-Prefect.

Following this interview, the delegation joined the assembly in the conference room of the Sous-préfecture to begin the awareness-raising session with Dr. Bolou, a gynecologist at Taabo General Hospital. For the day's speaker, a health specialist, breast cancer is not a fatality; it's a disease like any other, because if detected early, it can be cured. He also revealed that family history favors the development of the disease. “80% of women are exposed to cancer from the age of 50, but when you have a family history, from the age of 25, you need to have a mammogram and breast ultrasound every 2 years,” he recommended. 

Dr. Bolou also urged the audience not to stigmatize cancer sufferers, and to support them with daily attentions, as this also contributes to the patient's recovery. 

An information session on breast cancer, rich in exchanges and the sharing of experiences, but above all without taboos. Mr. Kouakou Richard, husband of Dr. Koffi Jeanne D'Arc and member of the Gender Unit, translated the discussions from beginning to end into the Baule language.

The day ended with a film screening (testimony of a woman cured of breast cancer) and a free screening session for over fifty women. The speaker was joined by Drs. Doffou Fabrice and Attoungbré, both doctors at Taabo General Hospital.  Great breast cancer prevention in Taabo! 

With this initiative, CSRS reaffirms its commitment to the health and well-being of its employees and local communities. 

N.G.S/CelCom