The Conseil économique et social (CES) organized a sensitization session focused on breast and cervical cancer on 23 October 2026 in Cotonou. Officials held the event as part of the 'Octobre Rose' (Pink October) awareness campaign to educate participants on the risks associated with these diseases. This event, which took place in Cotonou, served as a platform for the Economic and Social Council (CES) to disseminate critical health information. The session was held as part of the 'Octobre Rose' (Pink October) awareness campaign, a global initiative observed throughout the month to highlight the importance of early detection and treatment.
Leadership Behind Awareness Initiative
Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, president of the Conseil économique et social (CES), initiated the sensitization session to address breast and cervical cancer. The event was initiated by the president of the CES, Abdoulaye Bio Tchané, who recognized the need for targeted health education within the institution. Nadège Djossou, deputy director of the cabinet of the president of the CES, chaired the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Nadège Djossou, deputy director of the cabinet of the president of the CES, who oversaw the proceedings and guided the discussion among the attendees. Regarding the leadership behind the event, Nadège Djossou stated: "Je pense que le président Abdoulaye BIO TCHANE a compris l’importance des dégâts que peuvent causer ces cancers ; il sait aussi qu’on peut prévenir et s’en prémunir."
Nadège Djossou further emphasized the necessity of medical action, noting: "C’est bien d’être sensibilisé, mais c’est encore mieux de se dépister." She added: "C’est l’affaire de tous, car soit c’est soi-même, soit c’est un parent. Je nous invite tous au dépistage."
The Fondation ACHAK, led by its president Ahmed Atoro, animated the session. The session was animated by the Fondation ACHAK, led by its president, Ahmed Atoro, who brought specialized expertise to the forum. Ahmed Atoro explained the foundation's role in the initiative: "Nous sommes venus les sensibiliser et toucher leur cœur afin qu’ils sachent bien que ces deux maladies existent et qu’ils se prennent véritablement en charge."
Raymonde Adjagba, the Gender focal point of the CES, addressed the participants regarding the broader impact of the awareness campaign. She stated: "Personne n’est épargné et je prends la résolution, au nom de mes collègues, de poursuivre la sensibilisation de la population, dans nos familles et nos milieux de vie respectifs, afin de faire prendre conscience aux femmes de l’ampleur du mal et de les encourager à se faire dépister le plus tôt possible." The commitment shown by members of the CES reflects a broader institutional effort to integrate health awareness into the professional environment, ensuring that staff members are well-informed about the risks of breast and cervical cancer.
