The Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) has joined the global campaign to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month by organizing a free breast screening exercise for traders at the Lapaz Community Market in the Okaikwei North Municipality.
The initiative, led by the Chief Executive Officer of MASLOC, Mrs. Abigail Akwambea Elorm Mensah, was held in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, Hon. Theresa Ladi Awuni.
According to the CEO, the exercise forms part of MASLOC’s commitment to the well-being of its clients, most of whom are women traders in markets across the country.
“Every October, the world focuses on breast cancer awareness, and as an institution that works closely with women, we felt it was important to also take part,” she said. “Breast cancer continues to affect and claim the lives of many women.
Early detection can save lives, so today we are here to screen, educate, and encourage women to take their health seriously.”
She further emphasized that breast cancer is not exclusive to women, and urged both men and women to take screening seriously.
“The women should allow their partners to help them check if they are unable to do so. Men also get breast cancer, so they should allow their women to check for them as well. If anything unusual is detected, they should immediately go to the hospital for medical examination.”
Mrs. Mensah noted that some participants shared emotional testimonies of relatives who died from breast cancer. She stressed that losing clients to preventable health conditions is heartbreaking, hence MASLOC’s decision to support awareness and screening initiatives.
The choice of Lapaz Community Market, she explained, was strategic due to its high population and the presence of a large number of MASLOC clients.
“Lapaz is densely populated, with many market women and potential beneficiaries of MASLOC support. We also decided to collaborate with Hon. Theresa Ladi Awuni and bring the screening exercise to her constituency, where many of our clients live and work.”
Hon. Theresa Ladi Awuni commended MASLOC for the initiative, noting that it will go a long way to improve health awareness and save lives in the community.
The screening exercise formed part of a series of activities MASLOC intends to undertake in other markets throughout the month.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
