Republic of Mauritius- Restructuration of National Women’s Council to better provide assistance to women

The symposium, an initiative of the NWC and the cancer support centre Link to Life, was attended by a huge number of women including the elders and the youth. The resource persons include Consultant-in-Charge, Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Dr D.T Hemoo, the Clinical oncologist, Dr Y. Mohamed, and the Nutritionist, Mrs N. Ramawta, both from the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Psychologist of Link to Life, Mr E. Maurice.

Minister Koonjoo-Shah, in her address, emphasised the importance of awareness and sensitisation campaigns as regards cancer, the third leading cause of death in Mauritius. Sharing of knowledge and information about early detections, risks and causes, treatments and prevention, she said, is a must for the population especially the women who are most vulnerable and prone to cancer.

She highlighted that a renewed emphasis on strengthening health systems is needed to ensure early diagnosis and accessible, high-quality care for patients thereby resulting in higher cancer survival rates. Timely medical treatment, family support and the determination of patients are the key elements to brave cancer, she added.

It is recalled that a new state-of-the-art hospital is being constructed at Solferino to cater for the treatment of cancer patients. In addition, the Human Papilloma Virus vaccination programme for young girls aged between 9 and 13 years old is being conducted to reduce the risk of cervical cancer in girls.