A revolutionary initiative by the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA) is transforming workplaces into hubs of hope and health education. Dubbed “Taking Awareness and Screening to the Workplace,” the campaign is breaking barriers to early detection and preventive care, one office at a time. This campaign is driven by a three-prong RBC-endorsed slogan: IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE (Love yourself, Know yourself, Get checked) for everyone to see, learn and promote. From November 29 to December 13, 2024, BCIEA partnered with the Bank of Kigali (BK) to deliver 12 transformative sessions across the bank’s headquarters. The initiative, lauded for its innovative approach, brought breast cancer awareness and directly to 900 staff members, including senior executives, such as BK CEO Diane Karusisi, who participated in training and expressed deep appreciation for the program’s impact. ALSO READ: The power of youth: How a generation of changemakers is tackling breast cancer in Rwanda A model for change The campaign addressed a critical gap: the lack of health awareness programs in corporate settings. BCIEA’s sessions included tailored presentations on breast cancer: what is cancer, signs, myths, risk factors, how to reduce cancer risk and the prevention, along with demonstrations of breast self-examination (BSE). Clinical screenings were also provided for 225 individuals. Four suspicious cases were identified, promptly referred for further testing and will be followed up. BCIEA team also addressed the status of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Rwanda. Karusisi commended BCIEA for their dedication to employee wellness. “This initiative has reminded us that health is our greatest wealth,” she said. “As leaders, we must ensure our teams have access to the knowledge and resources needed to prioritize their well-being. I’m proud of the positive impact this has had on our staff.” ALSO READ: Breast Cancer: BCIEA’s innovative community event uncovers new cases Feedback that inspires action Participants shared life-changing testimonials, some of them said they did not know that men too could get breast cancer; while other emphasised that the session had reminded them about the value of prioritizing and taking care of one’s health. Despite its success, the campaign highlighted persistent challenges, including stigma, fear, and personal hesitations around cancer screening. There is need for ongoing workplace engagement to overcome these barriers. The fight is not just against cancer; it’s also fear, ignorance, and misinformation. A call to action for employers BCIEA recommends that employers prioritize on-site wellness programs, provide trilingual health education materials, and train internal wellness champions to sustain health awareness. The campaign’s slogan should continue to resonate as a rallying cry for proactive health management. Encouraged by BK’s success, BCIEA aims to expand this initiative to other organizations, ensuring that more employees across Rwanda gain access to lifesaving education and screenings. Employers are urged to partner with BCIEA to foster a culture of wellness, reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses, and ultimately save lives. Early detection saves life. The writer is the founder and CEO of Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA).
