Each year, October is observed as the month of Cancer Awareness. The Aga Khan Health Board (AKHB) for Tanzania has been actively encouraging the members of the Jamat to get themselves screened regularly. In this respect, AKHB held an interactive session called “Awareness – the first step to detect Cancer” with Dr. Farouk Karson, Assistant Professor and Consultant Radiation Oncologist at The Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi, and Dr. Aleesha Aditya, Consultant Clinical Oncologist. AKHB invited all members of the Jamat from Darkhana, Kariako, Karimabad, Changombe, and Upanga to participate in this informative session. Additionally, members of the Jamat actively participated in a Q & A session to better understand this non-communicable disease. Further, in collaboration with The Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam, AKHB held a Cancer Screening camp with consulting clinics free of cost for the Jamat for screening of Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Oral Cancer, as well as check-up by an Ophthalmologist.
Finally, on 26th October, AKHB encouraged the Jamat to “Wear Pink – think Pink” in solidarity
with those who had/have Breast Cancer. The Aga Khan Health Board for Tanzania continues to work with the Jamat to fight NCDs with a healthier lifestyle, including physical exercise, proper nutrition, and good mental health.