Council of Ministers: President Diomaye Faye strengthens the national response against cancer

On the eve of the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, cancer was on the agenda at the Council of Ministers meeting. Meeting this Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at the Presidential Palace, under the chairmanship of Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the government placed the fight against this disease among the priorities of the national health policy.

The Head of State congratulated the Senegalese League Against Cancer (LISCA), the organizers, and the partners of "Pink October" for their commitment to the fight against women's cancers. But beyond this recognition, he primarily called for a strengthening of the national response, with a particular emphasis on prevention.

Prevention as a new lever

Bassirou Diomaye Faye asked the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene to ensure the inclusive implementation of the National Cancer Control Plan, by integrating a "systematic prevention component" to be deployed among communities and partners. This approach gives Pink October a dimension that goes beyond the usual awareness campaigns.

The focus now is on strengthening public awareness, encouraging screening, and bringing prevention closer to citizens. The President also emphasized patients' access to treatment and medication. The government is therefore called upon to examine ways to continuously improve patient care, with particular attention paid to children with cancer.

Diamniadio , another presidential emergency

Another key directive: the acceleration of the commissioning of the National Oncology Center currently under construction in Diamniadio. The Head of State asked the Prime Minister to take "all urgent measures" to finalize the work and allow for the rapid opening of this facility.

Through these directives, the President of the Republic sets three priorities: increased prevention, improved access to treatment, and strengthened national care capacities. At the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October), the message is clear: the fight against cancer must not be limited to an annual campaign, but must be part of a sustained health mobilization at the community level.