The Vice President urges nationwide awareness, early testing, and stronger healthcare systems as Malawi unites in the battle against breast cancer
By Burnett Munthali
Malawi’s Vice President, Justice Dr. Jane Ansah, has urged citizens to take charge of their health through early cancer screening, saying prevention and timely diagnosis are key to saving lives.
She made the call in Lilongwe on Saturday during the Queens in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, an event that drew hundreds of participants in a vibrant show of solidarity with cancer survivors.
Dr. Ansah emphasized that breast cancer awareness should not be limited to women alone but must extend to families and communities, noting that shared knowledge is the foundation of better health outcomes.
She said early screening makes treatment more effective and increases the likelihood of survival, adding that awareness and education remain powerful tools in combating the disease.
The Vice President highlighted government efforts to ensure that cancer screening and treatment services are expanded to all districts across Malawi, a move she said would help ease the financial strain on patients traveling long distances for medical care.
Reflecting on her own experience as a cancer survivor, Dr. Ansah spoke with deep conviction about the need for compassion, resilience, and early medical intervention.
In support of the initiative, she donated K2 million to Diaries of a Young Lady, the organization behind the Queens in Pink campaign, to help boost breast cancer awareness activities and community outreach.
During the event, Dr. Rhoda Jura Kriek, Director of Beit Cure Hospital, commended Ansah’s leadership and described her as an inspiration to many women who continue to fight cancer across the country.
Meanwhile, Maud Mwamasungula, Executive Director of the Women’s Coalition Against Cancer (WOCACA), reminded Malawians that cancer is not just a medical issue but a national development concern that affects every aspect of society.
She urged the government to strengthen cancer services through decentralization and improved training for health professionals, noting that quality healthcare should be accessible to all.
Cancer survivor Rachel Ntaba also shared her moving story of resilience, having battled both uterine and breast cancer. She encouraged others to go for regular check-ups, stressing that following medical advice can make the difference between life and death.
Before the walk began, participants visited the Breast Cancer Ward at Kamuzu Central Hospital, where they donated essential items to patients currently undergoing treatment.
The Queens in Pink Awareness Walk served not only as a campaign for early testing but also as a symbol of unity, hope, and determination in the fight against cancer — a disease that continues to challenge, yet strengthen, the spirit of the Malawian people.
