By Lodu William Odiya
Caretaker Presidential Advisor for International Relations, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol, has urged South Sudanese communities to prioritise early breast cancer detection, raise awareness and seek timely medical attention to improve treatment outcomes.
Speaking during a breast cancer awareness run organised by the Office of the Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes in collaboration with the University of Juba’s School of Medicine, Abdelbagi emphasised the need for collective action to address the disease.
The event, held under the theme “Early Detection. Early Action. Better Chances” aimed to raise public awareness about breast cancer, encourage early diagnosis and promote access to appropriate healthcare services.
Abdelbagi said breast cancer was not only a medical challenge but also a concern affecting individuals, families and entire communities.
He stressed that fear, stigma and misinformation should not prevent people from seeking medical advice, diagnosis or support.
“Breast cancer is not just a medical challenge; it affects individuals, families and entire communities. We must therefore confront it with knowledge, compassion and collective responsibility,” he said.
The former vice president called on traditional and religious leaders, women’s organisations, youth groups, healthcare professionals and the media to work together to disseminate accurate information about the disease.
“I encourage our communities, traditional and religious leaders, women’s organisations, youth groups, healthcare professionals and the media to work together to spread accurate information about breast cancer and promote access to appropriate healthcare services,” Abdelbagi said.
He also called for solidarity with breast cancer survivors and people currently undergoing treatment, saying they deserved compassion, encouragement and support throughout their recovery journeys.
According to Abdelbagi, initiatives held during Pink October serve as reminders that protecting public health requires shared responsibility as South Sudan continues efforts to strengthen its healthcare system.
He emphasised that awareness campaigns should be accompanied by stronger health education, accessible diagnostic services and partnerships between government institutions, healthcare providers and development partners.
“Awareness must go hand in hand with stronger health education, accessible diagnostic services, and meaningful partnerships among government institutions, healthcare providers, and development partners,” he added.
Abdelbagi commended the Office of the Presidential Envoy on Special Programmes and the University of Juba’s School of Medicine for organising the awareness initiative.
He urged participants to translate the campaign’s message into practical action, emphasising that sharing information and encouraging people to seek timely medical attention could help save lives.
He said collective efforts were essential to raising awareness, strengthening hope and improving support for people affected by breast cancer.