The recent opportunity to engage with 500 policewomen and men in Rwanda was not just a breakthrough for BCIEA’s awareness campaign, but a significant amplification of our core mission to educate, empower, and save lives. This experience underscores the profound impact that targeted awareness initiatives can have when they reach the right audience—those who can influence and lead by example. A Long-Awaited Breakthrough for years, I’ve envisioned extending our ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ campaign to the police force. However, the chance had never materialised—until a fortuitous encounter with a police leader who was immediately struck by the importance of our work. Her enthusiasm to bring this life-saving knowledge to her colleagues opened a door that had been closed for too long. This invitation was not just a personal achievement, but a pivotal moment for BCIEA, enabling us to reach a crucial segment of Rwanda’s population—those who are often too busy safeguarding others to prioritise their own health. The Power of Engagement during the session, the police leaders’ engagement was nothing short of remarkable. These are individuals who are constantly on the front lines, protecting our communities. Yet, their realisation that they have been neglecting their own health was both humbling and empowering. The slogan ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’—which translates to ‘Love Yourself, Know Yourself, Get Checked’—resonated deeply with them. It was a stark reminder that self-care is not just a personal responsibility but a professional one, especially for those entrusted with the safety of others. These police leaders are not just participants in the campaign; they are multipliers of our message. By educating them about the risks, symptoms, and importance of early detection of breast cancer and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs), we are empowering them to take this knowledge back to their stations and communities. This is the essence of our campaign’s goal—to create a ripple effect that spreads awareness and encourages proactive health measures across all levels of society. One of the most striking moments of the session was the realisation among the male officers that they, too, are at risk of breast cancer. This highlights a critical aspect of our campaign: dispelling myths and providing accurate information. The fact that over 50% of breast cancer cases in Rwanda are diagnosed at stage III, according to the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC), emphasises the urgent need for widespread education and accessible screening services. By reaching out to the police force, we are addressing a significant gap in awareness and paving the way for earlier diagnoses and better outcomes. The plans now underway to collaborate with police medical staff and extend the ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ campaign to all police stations across Rwanda represent a monumental step forward. This partnership will not only ensure that thousands of police officers receive the education and screenings they need but also that they become advocates for health within their own communities. The ripple effect of this collaboration will amplify the impact of our campaign, helping us reach new heights in our mission to combat breast cancer and other NCDs in Rwanda. A call to Action This experience with the Rwanda Police Force is a powerful reminder that every encounter presents an opportunity to advance our mission. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by these police leaders inspire hope and confidence in the future success of our campaign. As we continue to push forward, I urge other organisations, community leaders, and individuals to join us in this vital work. Together, we can create a healthier, more informed society where early detection and prevention are the norms, not the exceptions. In conclusion, the opportunity to speak to these police leaders was more than just a milestone; it was a catalyst for broader, deeper engagement with a segment of the population that can truly drive change. With their support, the ‘IKUNDE, IMENYE, ISUZUMISHE’ campaign is poised to make an even greater impact, ensuring that those who protect us are also empowered to protect their own health. The author is the founder of BCIEA For more information about how you can support BCIEA and our ongoing efforts, please visit: https://linktr.ee/bcieafrica
