Since November 3, 2025, the Malem Hodar and Birkilane health districts have been hosting a large-scale awareness, screening, and training campaign on cervical and breast cancer. This initiative is led by the Senegalese Society of Colposcopy and Pathology Related to Papillomavirus, chaired by Professor Omar Gassama, in partnership with the Community Development Emergency Program (PUDC) and the company I-CONS, as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments.

According to Professor Omar Gassama, "we started our activities in the Malem Hodar health district, where 35 health providers were trained in screening and treatment techniques for precancerous lesions of the cervix as well as methods for early detection of breast cancer."

On November 4th and 5th, the team conducted field activities that screened approximately 700 women for breast cancer and another 700 for cervical cancer. Of these, 14 women with precancerous lesions received immediate treatment, while one suspected case of cervical cancer was identified for further medical follow-up. The activities took place at the health posts in Pafa, Sagna, Médina Dianké, Maka Belal, and at the Malem Hodar health center.

Professor Gassama expressed his gratitude to "the PUDC, which pays particular attention to the most vulnerable populations, as well as to the company I-CONS for its constant commitment to the fight against women's cancers."

The overall objective of this initiative, he reminds us, is to strengthen prevention and provide assistance to vulnerable populations, who are often exposed to these pathologies linked to social inequalities. "We wanted to reach out to women, raise their awareness, screen them, and offer them appropriate care," he adds.

In Birkilane, the campaign continued under the coordination of Dr. Abdoulaye Tabassi Badiane, chief medical officer of the health district. He praised "a wonderful citizen initiative" that supports the Ministry of Health's efforts in the fight against women's cancers.

“We are hosting our partners from the Senegalese Society of Colposcopy and Pathology Related to Papillomavirus, as part of a partnership with several companies committed to CSR. These actions contribute to strengthening our capacities in raising awareness, screening and vaccination against cervical cancer,” he said.

A two-day training course is underway to strengthen the skills of healthcare providers in screening techniques, early diagnosis, and primary prevention through vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV). This will be followed by practical field activities, including screening and treatment sessions for precancerous lesions.

Even though the Kaffrine Regional Health Directorate was unable to be physically present, it is overseeing and supporting all of these activities on the ground. Dr. Badiane emphasizes that these actions complement the campaigns already conducted this year in the most vulnerable areas and will help expand screening coverage in the region.

The screening and training days continue until Saturday, November 8, with the aim of training a total of 35 providers and screening nearly 800 women in the Kaffrine region.