First Lady sponsors mammograms for 1,000 women

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 October 2024, 19:00 by Denis Chabrol

In Observance of Breast Cancer Awareness  Month, First Lady Mrs Arya Ali has partnered with the Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital to provide  sponsorship of 1,000 mammograms for women across Guyana, her office said in a statement on Wednesday.

The initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of early detection in the fight against  breast cancer, a disease that affects millions of women worldwide each year.  

The mammograms will be provided 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 1,000  mammograms which totaled $5 million – a cost which was subsidized by the 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 prioritize their health,” Mrs Ali  was quoted in her office’s statement as saying during the fundraising event. 

She also lauded the efforts made by stakeholders in the fight against, and reaffirmed her  commitment to supporting women in Guyana.  

“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.  

Sponsorship of mammograms has been done annually by the First Lady. Last year, she provided  sponsorship for over 200 mammograms.