Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Minister of Health and Wellness, Mr Anil Kumar Bachoo, emphasised the importance of cancer prevention, early detection and people-centred care at the launch of activities marking World Cancer Day 2026, today at the Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium in Réduit.
The event was attended by the Junior Minister of Finance, Mr Dhaneshwar Damry; the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; the Deputy Chief Government Whip, Mr Govinden Pynivel Venkatasami; Members of the National Assembly; the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Mauritius, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye; the Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Mauritius (UoM), Professor Mohammad Issack Santally; and other eminent personalities.
Referring to the global theme “United by Unique,” Minister Bachoo recalled that while cancer constitutes a shared challenge, each patient’s experience is distinct and requires compassionate and inclusive healthcare responses. He noted that cancer remains a major public health concern worldwide, with about 20 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths reported annually.
At the national level, the Minister indicated that cancer incidence continues to rise, with 3,362 new cases recorded in 2024, representing an increase of 18% compared to 2023. He added that cancer accounted for 13% of total deaths during the same period. Lung and breast cancers remain the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men and women, respectively.
According to the Minister, between 30% and 50% of cancers are preventable and early detection significantly improves survival rates. He highlighted Government’s continued investment in awareness campaigns, non-communicable disease screening, the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, and the HPV vaccination programme for both girls and boys. With regard to treatment, he drew attention to the expansion of cancer care services, including the availability of PET scan services at the New Cancer Centre, the setting up of Breast Units nationwide, and the forthcoming introduction of brachytherapy for the treatment of gynaecological cancers.
For his part, Dr Abdou Salam Gueye stated that in Africa, cancer has emerged as a major public health and economic challenge, with breast and cervical cancers accounting for the highest number of cancer-related deaths. He cautioned that, should current trends persist, annual cancer-related deaths could reach one million by 2030.
Referring to the Health Statistics Report 2024, Dr Gueye noted that cancer cases in Mauritius have more than doubled over the past two decades and now account for 12.8% of total deaths. He reaffirmed the the WHO’s commitment to supporting the country through prevention, early detection, physical activity and innovation.
Professor Santally stated that the event reflects the UoM’s strong commitment to community engagement. He highlighted the University’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness through medical programmes, hospital placements, and the promotion of ethics in service delivery. He further indicated that the University continues to align its initiatives with national priorities by buttressing prevention efforts and enhancing psychological support.
World Cancer Day
World Cancer Day is observed globally on 04 February each year to promote awareness and press for action against cancer. This year marks the second year of the three-year global campaign (2025–2027) under the theme “United by Unique,” highlighting the need for people-centred, compassionate and inclusive health systems that recognise each individual’s unique cancer journey.
In the context of World Cancer Day, a sensitisation march was organised from the S.M.K Navin Soonarane Gymnasium in Ebène to the Paul Octave Wiehe Auditorium in Réduit. The activities also included the launch of the Cancer Registry Report 2024, the implementation of a mass breast and cervical cancer screening campaign, and the rollout of an intensive nationwide awareness drive through community health talks and the distribution of educational materials.
