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Nufufest receives honourable mention for the 2024 MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship
Nufufest: Empowering Communities Through Breast Cancer Awareness
Nufufest, a breast cancer awareness campaign, has been awarded an honourable mention for the 2024 MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship. This prestigious acknowledgement shines a spotlight on Nufufest’s efforts to combat breast cancer.
Nufufest was spearheaded and established in 2018 by the Paemka Genetics/Genomics Research Lab at the University of Ghana’s Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology Department and The West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP). The campaign aims to raise awareness, increase knowledge, and support breast cancer patients and survivors, leveraging student volunteers for educational workshops, free screenings, and community outreach. Nufufest is a direct response to the alarming reality of breast cancer in Ghana: 50% of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer in Ghana do not survive. To this end, the mission of Nufufest is to empower African communities with comprehensive breast cancer education and early detection resources to address the disproportionately high mortality rates.
The MacJannet Prize for Global Citizenship recognizes exceptional student community engagement initiatives at Talloires Network signatory member universities, and an honourable mention for the 2024 MacJannet Prize is a monumental achievement for Nufufest, affirming the campaign’s impactful efforts in breast cancer awareness and education. This accolade will bring increased visibility, drawing significant media attention and raising public awareness about our mission. The enhanced credibility this recognition gives us bolsters our reputation, attracting new partners and potential donors eager to support our cause. This recognition also energizes our volunteer base, inviting a broader pool of enthusiastic individuals who strengthen our outreach and amplify our message.
Nufufest has grown into a national movement, extending beyond the university’s boundaries to various communities. Since the campaign’s inception six years ago, over 3,000 individuals have been screened, promoting early detection and reducing the stigma of the disease. Through continuous education, the campaign has empowered communities with knowledge about breast cancer risk factors and the importance of regular screenings.
The MacJannet Prize’s recognition validates the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in Nufufest, inspiring us to continue our vital work with renewed vigour and commitment, and bringing us closer to a future where every Ghanaian community is informed, proactive, and supported in the fight against breast cancer.
