IN a significant move to combat breast cancer, First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, has partnered with Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital to sponsor 1,000 mammograms for women across Guyana, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative seeks to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women globally each year.
The mammograms, valued at $5 million, will be made available through two local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) — the Guyana Cancer Society and the Guyana Cancer Foundation. During a fundraising event on Sunday, Mrs. Ali handed over vouchers for the mammograms, which were subsidised by Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital.
“Early detection saves lives. I believe that every woman deserves access to life-saving screenings, and by sponsoring these mammograms, I hope to empower our community of women and encourage them to prioritise their health,” Mrs. Ali stated at the event.
Mrs. Ali expressed her gratitude to the various stakeholders involved in the fight against breast cancer and reaffirmed her commitment to supporting women in Guyana. She highlighted the collaborative efforts of the government, medical professionals, the business community, and advocates, which have contributed to substantial progress in the battle against the disease.
“For years, the government, our medical community, the business community, and advocates have helped to make great progress in the fight against breast cancer. And I am proud to be a part of that movement today. I believe we have not just a responsibility, but a moral obligation to support our women who are the backbone of our homes and communities,” she added.
This initiative is part of Mrs. Ali’s ongoing efforts to promote women’s health. Last year, she sponsored over 200 mammograms, and her commitment has grown in scale this year, reflecting her dedication to ensuring that women across Guyana have access to early detection services.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a critical time to encourage women to take charge of their health through screenings and education, and this partnership aims to make those essential services accessible to more women, regardless of their financial circumstances.