On Sunday, 05 February 2023, the women and men of the Cameroonian community gathered at the Pretoria Municipal Recreation Club from 10: 00 am to say no to cancer. Now in its second year, Wii Care initially was previously offered in Johannesburg; however, Pretoria was added this year.
World Cancer Day is an initiative under which the entire world unites together in the fight against cancer. It takes place every year on the 4th of February. Women Ingenuity and Industry through the project Wii Care, however, has chosen to stand up and say NO to cancer on the 5th of February because we believe there is more to World Cancer Day than just a single day on the calendar. This day aims to prevent millions of deaths each year by educating the public about cancer and pressing governments and decision-makers across the world to take action against the disease. World Cancer Day has firmly established itself in calendars around the world; however, we as Cameroonian and African communities still have to make a lot of improvements. Because of this, Wii Care is designed to spur action and inspire change long after the actual day. We are delighted to notice that our program has received more exposure and participation in Pretoria; hence, providing us with more opportunities to have a greater impact.
Joining hands in the fight against cancer was the theme of the campaign, which was developed by Mrs Ngameni who invited cancer patients to seek all the help they need as cancer treatment is a serious and daunting journey one can’t work alone. Furthermore, she invited the community to get checked regularly for cancer. On this occasion, the Cameroonian Embassy drew the community’s attention as they believe that every person has the power to make a difference, no matter where we come from. Her Excellency Mrs Loveline Bisangha Ewang, who represented the High Commissioner and was welcomed by Nicole Prasanthya Ndjiki Yebga emphasised the importance of working together as a community. She stated that “by working together, the healthcare professionals can significantly lessen the impact of cancer in our communities”. That’s how we can begin to imagine a better way of doing things and build a continent without late cancer detection. Morgan Freeman’s view resonates with this as he underscored that “if cancer is caught early, it’s treatable, fixable”. Dr Nguekeng, the healthcare professional from LTN Foundation enlightened the community on cervical and prostate cancers.
- Ms. OP.J.T Boumsong
- Mrs E.A
- Mrs Ruth Moeng
- Mrs Marilou Nomi
- Mrs M.G.G Gueuga
- Mrs Angele Ndjengue
- Mrs Cecile Ngo Mbonga
- Mrs Gladys Afaka
- Mrs Z. Ngabeu
- Mrs Karole Koumemb
Mama Cecile, one of the beneficiaries of the free mammogram, commenting on the experience said that “It was amazing.” “I’m glad I’ve won a mammogram now because it broadens your perspective and helps you understand the value of early detection. I doubt I would have gotten a mammogram if I hadn’t gone to the event.” The beneficiaries have until the end of April 2023 to go for their free screening mammogram, which comes with a body composition scan and a health consultation at Proscan Radiology in Parktown North.
Dr Danielle, the Founder of the NPC Women Ingenuity and Industry expressed that “We are concerned about organising these campaigns inviting our friends, family, colleagues, and communities because we are aware that by working together, we can halt the spread of cancer and lower the number of fatalities. It was such a unique occasion. It is initiatives like these contribute to the improvement of the community and the world as a whole. We enjoy what we do, but we cannot do it by ourselves and we are thankful to people like Mrs Ngameni and her organisation Bana Health for joining in the initiative by donating twenty mammographies to the community. We are calling for more support in the future to boost our campaigns and have a greater impact in our community”.
For this event to be a success, Women Ingenuity and Industry has partnered with LTN Foundation, the professional nurses Viviane Pessek and Gisele Liale and FACAS. The event also got the support of Liten li Bassa’a Johannesburg, Sante Intello, the Veterans, Colombe and the High Commission of Cameroon in Pretoria. Our special thanks go to Madame Nlang Billong, Second Counsellor at the Embassy for all her support, Tagne Wambo the MC and to Mr Jacques Theddy Gelas. We hosted a lot of activities such as the Zumba dance, nutrition, 360 booths, an ice cream stall and a Superheroes fashion show for kids, food, beverages, and music. The National Anthem was sung by Nicole Ndjiki in one of the vernacular languages of Cameroon (Bassa’a language). We are looking forward to our next event in Johannesburg!
Dr Danielle Gelas is an Academic Writer and Research Consultant. She is the Founder of Women Ingenuity and Industry and the Promoter of the project Wii Care.
Thank you mam for the mammograms. Great initiative indeed! please keep it up
The photos look great! Unfortunately I missed it. I thought it will rain that day
If all the leaders could be involved in our community, you would be able to offer 100 mammograms all at once. Good heart indeed
People must follow her example