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The IFP calls on to the Department of Health to prioritize Breast Cancer
education and awareness amongst our rural women.

IFP Spokesperson on Health, Ms. Hilda Msweli said:"October is Breast Cancer
and Mental Illness Awareness month and rural women need to be made aware of
the importance of breast self-examination (BSE) and the available screening
tests. Being proactive against cancer is one of the greatest gifts our women
can give themselves and their families".

The sad state of affairs is that rural women do not get the same exposure
and priority when it comes to breast cancer awareness.

"Most rural women are unaware of the causes of cancer. Effective
communication in this regard therefore is vital.  Once our rural women know
what cancer is and how it affects them, they will be more equipped to fight
it".

The IFP is also concerned about the lack of psychiatric services in our
rural areas, mostly because there are a limited number of psychiatrists to
deal with the large number of patients with mental illness issues. IFP calls
on government to push for an increase in the number of psychiatrists to
treat patients that require these specialist services.