ECOWAS Resident Representative’s Office and Stabilisation Support Mission troops held a breast cancer awareness campaign at Kwame Nkrumah Secondary School in Bissau on 22 October 2026, marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The campaign, themed “Every Story Matters; Every Journey Is Unique,” was aimed at raising public awareness of breast cancer, promoting early detection and encouraging preventive health practices, according to a report from the Economic Community of West African States.
The mission framed the event as part of efforts to strengthen civil-military relations and improve community health awareness.
Ambassador Ngozi Ukaeje, the ECOWAS Resident Representative of the President and Head of Mission in Guinea-Bissau, attended as Special Guest of Honour.
She expressed delight at taking part and commended her Office and other organisers for their commitment to promoting public health awareness.
Ukaeje noted that breast cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide but stressed that early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.
She urged women to seek prompt medical attention if they notice unusual lumps, changes in breast shape or skin, or abnormal nipple discharge.
The Head of Mission also thanked the dignitaries, the Force Commander, contingent commanders, staff officers and other stakeholders for their contributions, and particularly commended GHANCOY 5 for leading the organisation of the initiative and ensuring its execution.
In opening remarks, Brigadier General Danjuma Ribah Dantani, Force Commander of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau, emphasised the importance of regular medical check-ups and early detection in managing breast cancer.
He encouraged women to visit healthcare facilities for routine examinations and highlighted awareness, healthy eating, regular physical exercise and limiting alcohol consumption as factors in overall health.
Dr Aisha Yanet, Gender Advisor of the ECOWAS Representation Office, described the purpose of the gathering as underscoring the importance of sustained awareness and community engagement in addressing breast cancer.
Her remarks were followed by a sensitisation lecture from Major Sylvester Alhassan, Senior Medical Officer of GHANCOY 5.
During the lecture, Alhassan gave an overview of breast cancer covering its nature, signs and symptoms, risk factors, prevention and available treatment options.
He explained that the disease can affect both women and men, and encouraged military personnel, students and members of the public to prioritise breast health, regular medical examinations and timely access to healthcare.
Helda Durate Batica, representing the Minister for Education, also delivered brief remarks emphasising the significance of the awareness effort.
She said the Guinea-Bissau government was appreciative of the gesture by the Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission and the Stabilisation Support Mission.
The campaign included an interactive questions-and-answers session, the distribution of breast cancer awareness materials to female students, and group photographs.
Attendees included members of the diplomatic corps, the representative of the Minister of Education, heads of departments and agencies, ESSMGB personnel, students and members of civil society organisations.
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