Guinea’s Donka hospital prioritizes women’s cancer screening

In Conakry, Guinea, the Donka National Hospital and the National Cancer Control Program launched “Pink Village” to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings to its female staff aged 25 to 49.

The initiative, part of the 2026 Pink October campaign, aims to address the health needs of healthcare workers who often focus on caring for others while neglecting their own well-being. Dr.

Djènaba Souaré, interim director of medical affairs, explained the hospital wants to ensure women receive the same care they provide to patients. She emphasized that prioritizing their health and well-being is essential. Administrators at Donka Hospital decided to provide the screenings free of charge to staff, a change from previous campaigns where reduced rates were offered to the general public.

They believe early detection, offering a 90% chance of successful treatment, is crucial, and appealed to authorities for modern medical equipment for all healthcare facilities in the country. Professor Bangali Traoré, coordinator of the National Cancer Control Program, noted that many women arrive at the hospital with advanced-stage cancers and stressed shared responsibility for improving early detection. The hospital is also providing tools for self-exams and finalizing national treatment protocols for ten priority cancers, including breast and cervical cancer.

Women who test negative will repeat the exam every three years, and year-round screening sites are available.