Ten-Day Health screening campaign prioritises women’s wellbeing

A ten-day health screening campaign, as part of a series of activities to mark the International Day of Action for Women’s Health 2026, was launched, yesterday, at the Health Club of the Ministry of Health and Wellness in Ebène.

This joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), aims at raising awareness on women’s health and wellbeing, promoting prevention and early screening, as well as reinforcing the national commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

The event was attended by the Junior Minister of Health and Wellness, Mrs Anishta Babooram; the Head of Office for the UNFPA in Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Priscilla Li Ying; senior officials of the Ministry; and representatives of partner organisations.

In her address, Junior Minister Babooram highlighted that women often shoulder multiple responsibilities and tend to neglect their own health. She encouraged women to prioritise their wellbeing in order to continue contributing effectively to their families, workplaces and communities.

Noting that women represent more than half of the Mauritian population, she emphasised their vital contribution to the country’s socio-economic development. “Investing in women is investing in the future and prosperity of our nation,” she said. The Junior Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to advancing women’s health and wellbeing.

She highlighted Mauritius’ achievements in maternal and reproductive health, including universal access to services, free family planning programmes and expanded screening initiatives. She also underlined the need to strengthen antenatal and postpartum care, reproductive health services and support for women throughout every stage of life.

Particular emphasis was also laid on the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The Junior Minister reiterated that prevention, early detection and the promotion of healthy lifestyles remain at the heart of the national health strategy.

She further stressed the need to support adolescent girls and young women through youth-friendly health services and recognised mental health as an essential component of women’s wellbeing.

Junior Minister Babooram expressed appreciation to the UNFPA for its continued partnership in enhancing sexual and reproductive health services and supporting evidence-based policymaking in Mauritius.

The ten-day health screening campaign offers a range of preventive services, including screening for NCDs’ risk factors, cervical cancer screening and awareness, breast examination and counselling, family planning and reproductive health counselling, as well as voluntary confidential HIV testing and counselling.

02 June 2026

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Topics: Health