BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
PHOCWENI – Eswatini has turned the fight against breast cancer into a year-round mission, with Government calling for screening, early detection, treatment and support to continue beyond October.
The call was made on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, during the launch of the 2026 International Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Phocweni Army Barracks, under the theme “Mission 365: Screen, Protect, Prevail and Defend.”
The launch was attended by senior government officials, health-sector stakeholders, representatives of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) and development partners, as well as breast cancer survivors and other members of the community.
Minister of Health Mduduzi Matsebula said the theme was a reminder that breast cancer does not operate only in October and therefore the national response could not be confined to one month.
“Early conversations, early screening, and early action save lives,” Matsebula said.
He said Mission 365 was built around four clear calls to action, beginning with Screen, which encourages people to know their bodies, recognise unusual changes and seek medical attention promptly.
Matsebula revealed that more than 1 680 people were screened during the 2025 campaign through combined efforts by the Ministry of Health and partners, including the Eswatini Cancer Network, Baylor and FAWEESWA.
He said the country must build on this progress and reach more people, particularly those in remote and underserved communities.
The second action, Protect, calls on families and communities to support people affected by breast cancer while replacing stigma, fear and misinformation with knowledge and compassion.
Matsebula said protection also meant ensuring patients could move from screening to diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and psychosocial support.
“Cancer does not affect only the person diagnosed. It touches children, spouses, parents, friends, colleagues and entire communities,” he said.
The third action, Prevail, focuses on resilience and support throughout the cancer journey.
Matsebula saluted breast cancer survivors, saying their presence demonstrated that a cancer diagnosis did not take away a person’s dignity, identity or purpose. He also encouraged people undergoing treatment to remain hopeful while recognising families who have lost loved ones to the disease.
The fourth action, Defend, calls on the nation to defend every person’s right to timely information, screening, diagnosis, treatment and compassionate care.
Matsebula said communities must also be defended against misinformation, while patients must be protected from stigma.
The Minister said the health sector had intensified awareness campaigns and expanded screening services. He said Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) had been introduced in all health centres, regional and national facilities to support timely evaluation and care.
He applauded the UEDF for joining the campaign, saying its involvement reflected a shared commitment to protecting life.
The launch featured the signing of the 365 Commitment, a pledge to keep the fight against breast cancer active throughout the year. A candle-lighting ceremony honoured survivors, people still fighting the disease and those who have lost their lives.
Matsebula called on traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, workplaces, schools, businesses, the media, civil society and families to make breast health part of everyday conversations.
He encouraged emaSwati to participate in the breast cancer walk scheduled for Saturday, October 31, 2026, starting at 6am from Lobamba Sports Technical Centre to Mantenga Nature Reserve, as well as the hike to Sheba’s Breast.
“October will come to an end, and the pink ribbons will eventually come down – but our mission must continue,” Matsebula said.
