Last week marked a significant milestone for the Breast Cancer Initiative East Africa (BCIEA) team as we took our breast cancer and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) awareness campaign to the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

RDB, a key government agency responsible for the attraction, retention, and facilitation of investment in Rwanda’s economy, is at the forefront of transforming Rwanda into a dynamic global hub for business, investment, and innovation.

A momentous partnership

Engaging with an institution of RDB’s stature is a tremendous accomplishment for BCIEA. By integrating our ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ campaign within RDB, we are not only reaching out to the heart of Rwanda’s economic engine but also extending our message to a wider audience that includes national and international stakeholders.

The power of awareness

The event was a resounding success. Our small team was warmly welcomed by RDB’s leadership and employees, who demonstrated eagerness and enthusiasm in learning about breast cancer and other NCDs. The interactive training session and open discussions highlighted the importance of self-awareness, early detection, and proactive health management.

It was particularly gratifying to see participants express their commitment to sharing this knowledge with their families and colleagues.

It was evident that using visuals in public health campaigns simplifies complex information, captures attention, transcends language barriers, and motivates behavioral change, making critical health messages more accessible and memorable. The audience learned about: