From school-based outreach and HPV vaccinations to specialist screenings and community sports events, Socapalm deployed a robust series of initiatives targeting women’s cancers across its Kienke, Mbongo, Edea, and Mbambou plantations from October 26 to 30,2026. As “Pink October” (Breast and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month) drew to a close, Socapalm’s plantation communities engaged in an intensive week of preventative health activities. Moving beyond simple messaging, the campaign delivered concrete medical interventions and community outreach directly to workers, their families, and nearby residents. Preventative action began at the youth level on Monday, October 26, when the medical team visited the Socapalm V1 A and B Public School in Kienke. Nurse Noko Willy led an educational session on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) risks and the safety of preventative immunization.”Our aim is to protect children between the ages of 9 and 14,” noted Willy, emphasizing that early prevention benefits both girls and boys. With prior parental consent,33 children were vaccinated at the Kienke site, with no post-vaccination adverse events reported during follow-ups. School principal Djuita Honorine highlighted the initiative’s broader value, stating:”We must protect our children, because they represent the future of the nation.” Simultaneously, at the Mbongo corporate medical center, occupational physician Dr. Patricia Epopa led a multi-stage initiative that began earlier in the month: School Outreach (Oct 12):Teams educated students and engaged parents, ultimately administering HPV vaccines to 50 children aged 9 to 14.Specialist Screening (Oct 23):Supported by visiting gynecologists from Douala, the Mbongo center provided breast and cervical cancer screenings for approximately 90 women. On Wednesday, October 28, community engagement expanded to include physical fitness and executive leadership support.
At Mbongo, Plantation Manager Carlos Ferreira addressed community members alongside Dr. Epopa, encouraging women to prioritize regular medical check-ups. The session was followed by a 5-kilometer “Pink Walk” from the medical center to the V5 stadium via the Aviation sector. Dr. Epopa noted that these activities also served as a seamless bridge toward “Blue November” (Men’s Health Awareness Month), announcing a follow-up screening session with specialists scheduled for November 5. On the same day in Edea, occupational physician Dr. Liliane Miassé hosted a practical session on breast and cervical health at the transit lodge, also attended by local management. Following the presentation, nearly 50 women completed a 6-kilometer round-trip walk between the medical center and the V3 sector, concluding with guided stretching exercises and refreshments. Statistics from the field shows that,in Kienke HPV Awareness & Vaccination 33 children got vaccinated,Mbongo School Outreach, HPV Vaccines, Screenings & 5K Walk,50 children vaccinated, 90 women screened and In Edea Health Workshop & 6KM Mobilization Walk 80 women participants answered present. Preventative Healthcare & Active Outreach saw 83 children vaccinated, 140 women screened or engaged. While the figures reflect strong regional participation, healthcare leaders emphasize that the campaign’s success extends beyond initial attendance. Long-term impact relies on consistent follow-up care for screened women, timely processing of examination results, and clear referral pathways. Prevention is fully effective only when early detection transitions into continuous medical care and accessible treatment.
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