Event extended for more awareness

From 19 to 23 October, the main entrance of the Mayotte Hospital Center (CHM) hosted prevention stands, associations, and merchants mobilized to raise awareness about female cancers and support patients. The event, organized by the ASCA, was described as a traditional event since the creation of the association in 2022 and was ultimately extended until the following Tuesday.

Participation by multiple organizations

Several organizations participated, including the Red Cross, the CRCDC, and AMALCA, alongside other associations and partners. The goal was to allow the public to ask questions, better understand risk factors, and learn about the importance of screening.

Extended event and visitor engagement

According to the association's figures, more than 1,500 people passed through the stands in previous years. While the week was supposed to end on Friday, October 23, the stands will remain in place until Tuesday, October 27, according to the president of the ASCA. Not all visitors come necessarily to talk about prevention; some are first attracted by the solidarity stands and the products for sale.

Support through merchant donations

Merchants join the mobilization by donating a portion of the profits made during the operation to contribute to the funding of the association's actions with patients. The funds collected are used, among other things, to support people affected by cancer in their care journey, when they have to leave Mayotte to continue their treatment.

Future plans and support in La Réunion

New actions are planned as early as November in several accommodation centers in La Réunion, where patients evacuated for health reasons stay. Among the structures mentioned by Anrifia Ali Hamadi, president of the ASCA, are the Sainte-Clotilde welcome house, the MASC, the MPOI, and the hospital house intended for patients evacuated for health reasons.

Focus on human support

The association organizes entertainment activities there to break the isolation, but also provides material assistance tailored to the needs of the people accompanied. "We are more on human support," specifies Anrifia Ali Hamadi. Beyond fundraising, the goal is to support patients morally, taking into account their situation and the difficulties encountered during their care journey.

Challenges in organizing the event

If the ASCA wishes to extend this operation further, it must also deal with constraints. Several of them work at the CHM and must perform their duties in addition to their commitment to the association. Without employees, everything depends on the availability of its members, who take turns to run the stands and organize the actions. "We try to do our best to ensure that during the entire week, there is a member of the association available," explains its president.