Photo Caption: Access Bank Rwanda’s Managing Director Karayenzi Jean Claude speaking to the media after the event

Access Bank has partnered with Society for Family Health (SFH) and Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) in a breast cancer awareness initiative. This is in recognition that women are an important asset to the Rwandan society as they consist of a large percentage of the population. Implementation of this initiative is also a commitment to women empowerment to contribute towards a sustainable and profitable future of Rwanda.

This effort to raise awareness about Breast Cancer in women is aimed at reducing the cases of Breast Cancer in Rwanda through education on symptoms, early detection and treatment. When Breast Cancer is detected early and adequate treatment is provided, there is a good chance that it can be cured. Early detection is also associated with higher survival rates.

 Jean Claude Karayenzi, the Managing Director of Access Bank Rwanda said that the initiative is dedicated to the health of women.

"According to the World Health Organization, more than one million women die of breast cancer annually. In promoting the well-being and development of women, the provision of breast cancer solutions is important. It is not just through access to loans but helping women to overcome health barriers is a good way to support them towards financial stability and growth,” added Karayenzi.

 Dr François Uwinkindi, the Director of Cancer Diseases Unit at Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) said that the responsibility should not only remain with the government, but everyone should play a role in raising Breast Cancer awareness since prevention is better.

 "There are a lot of challenges in fighting breast cancer and for us to effectively fight it, early detection is vital. Women are more exposed to get Breast Cancer and hence regular checkup is advised to reduce the number of cases,” he added.

He thanked Access Bank for the initiative taken in the fight against Breast Cancer. Janet Opio, the Executive Director at Society for Family Health (SFH) said that Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women. Getting regular checkups can lower the risk of dying.

Breast Cancer screening can help find the cancer early when it is easier to treat. If you have any signs like change in the size of the breast, pain in any area of the breast, it is better to go for early checkups and get treated, she added. Jean Bosco Kwizera, the Program Officer at Society for Family Health (SFH) reiterated the importance of screening for the early detection and added that getting enough information about it would reduce the cost of treatment.

"Most women always go to the hospital when the cancer is at an advanced and incurable stage. This initiative is meant to encourage screening and getting regular checkups. This will also reduce financial instability for them and their families,” Kwizera