First Lady sponsors mammograms for 1,000 women

October 23, 2024 – In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali has partnered with Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital to sponsor 1,000 mammograms for women across Guyana.

This initiative aims to promote the importance of early detection in combating breast cancer, a disease that continues to impact millions of women worldwide.

The mammograms, valued at $5 million, will be distributed through two local non-governmental organizations: the Guyana Cancer Society and the Guyana Cancer Foundation.

The cost was subsidized by Dr. Balwant Singh Hospital as part of the ongoing effort to increase access to life-saving screenings.

During a fundraising event on Sunday, Mrs. Ali handed over the vouchers for the mammograms, expressing her commitment to empowering women and encouraging them to prioritize their health.

“Early detection saves lives. Every woman deserves access to screenings, and through this sponsorship, I hope to help our community of women take charge of their health,” the First Lady stated.

She also praised the collective efforts made by stakeholders in the fight against breast cancer and reaffirmed her dedication to supporting women in Guyana.

“For years, advocates, the medical community, businesses, and the government have made significant strides in fighting breast cancer. We have a moral obligation to continue supporting the women who are the backbone of our homes and communities,” she added.

This marks another year of the First Lady’s sponsorship of mammograms, with last year’s initiative providing over 200 screenings.