Minister advocates eradication of breast, cervical cancers

The Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children,
Ms Sofia Simba, stresses a point at a press conference
in Dar es Salaamwhere she announced a charity walk
 to be held on October 26 to raise public awareness on breast cancer

The Minister for Community Development, Gender and Children, Ms Sophia Simba, has called on good Samaritans to support the Tanzania Breast Cancer Foundation (TBCF) in its efforts to eradicate breast and cervical cancers in Tanzania.

Ms Simba told a press conference in Dar es Salaam that TBCF had to be supported because it was the only non-governmental organisation which was established by women to help the victims of the cancers as a way of reducing their impacts.

“Everyone should support this NGO because it is the only private organisation which has been established by the victims of the cancers which endanger the lives of our fellow women,” the minister said.

She said that according to statistics breast and cervical cancers in Tanzania increased from day to day, thereby endangering the lives of more women.

The minister added that the month of October every year was recognised as a month for breast cancer all over the world, during which stakeholders wear pink, which stands for breast cancer day.


“This month is recognised for doing a lot, including creating awareness to society about the disease and encouraging the victims that surviving it is possible if proper medication is taken,” said Ms Simba.

She explained that there were a number of companies which had come forward to collaborate with TBCF in ensuring that strategies developed to combat the disease were successful, but added that there was need for further support from each member of society to contribute at least 1000/- to help breast cancer patients.

“This year TBCF has come up with strategies on how to raise funds for medical help and other facilities which will facilitate the roles which are to be met, with the slogan, “If cancer is recognised early and get appropriate treatment it is possible to recover,” she clarified.

The funds are expected to be used in purchasing two vehicles with digital testing kits for cancer, and construction of a building that will act as a health centre for cancer patients.

By SHARIFAH AKIDA of MUM

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