By Burnett Munthali
Vice President Dr. Jane Mayemu Ansah, SC JA (Retired), on Saturday joined hundreds of participants in the Queens in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, an annual event dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis, and public education on women’s health.
The walk began at the Kamuzu Central Interchange in Lilongwe and ended at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) Amphitheatre, where participants gathered for reflections, speeches, and health education sessions.
Clad in pink attire — the universal color symbolizing breast cancer awareness — the Vice President walked alongside cancer survivors, health professionals, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens, demonstrating solidarity with women and families affected by the disease.
The event, organized under the Queens in Pink initiative, aimed to remind Malawians of the importance of early screening and regular medical checkups as key steps in saving lives. It also provided a platform to celebrate survivors and remember those who have lost their battle with breast cancer.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Dr. Ansah commended the organizers for their continued commitment to raising awareness about breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases. She emphasized that increasing public understanding and removing stigma associated with cancer are vital to improving Malawi’s health outcomes.
She further urged communities to prioritize preventive health practices and to support those undergoing treatment, highlighting that compassion and community involvement are essential in fighting cancer effectively.
Health experts at the event echoed the Vice President’s sentiments, stressing that breast cancer, when detected early, is treatable. They encouraged both men and women to take responsibility for their health by seeking screening services regularly.
The march concluded with entertainment, testimonies from survivors, and educational booths offering information about cancer prevention, screening locations, and treatment support.
Dr. Ansah’s participation added prominence to the event, reinforcing the message that leadership and public awareness must go hand in hand in addressing health challenges facing the nation.
The Queens in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Walk once again demonstrated that collective action, awareness, and compassion remain powerful tools in reducing the impact of breast cancer in Malawi.
