Preventive health checks vital to address rising health concerns, says Minister Sukon

Regular preventive health checks and early detection are essential to addressing the rising incidence of health problems in Mauritius, stated the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, yesterday in Réduit.

He was speaking at the launch of the second edition of the Health and Wellness event, organised jointly by the University of Mauritius (UoM) and the Open University of Mauritius (OUM) under the theme “Together for a Healthier Society”. The event will be held on 14 and 15 October 2026 at the universities’ premises in Réduit.

The Vice-Chancellor of UoM, Professor Kavi Kumar Khedo, the Director-General of OUM, Dr Dinesh Surroop, representatives of academic institutions and other stakeholders attended the launch.

In his address, Minister Sukon highlighted the growing burden of cancer, pointing to statistics indicating between 250 and 300 new cases, with approximately ten new cases reported daily. He described the figures as alarming for a small island nation and stressed the importance of strengthening public awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging people to undergo regular medical examinations.

He emphasised that tertiary education institutions have a responsibility to provide academic training as well as to promote healthy living and well-being among students. He further underscored the importance of sensitising the student community, who can in turn, raise awareness among families and the wider community about preventive healthcare and early detection.

The Minister called on students, their families, residents and people working in Réduit, Moka and surrounding regions to take advantage of the free health checks and awareness activities organised as part of the event. He also highlighted the importance of establishing a cancer research centre to strengthen efforts to address the disease, reiterating that early detection plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes.

For his part, Professor Khedo highlighted the importance of collaboration among academic institutions and other stakeholders in promoting health and wellness. He expressed hope that the second edition would attract greater participation and have a positive impact on students and the community. He also stressed the need to promote emotional well-being, stress management, drug prevention and positive values.

Mr Surroop underscored the importance of preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles in helping students become responsible members of society. He encouraged young people to actively participate in awareness and prevention initiatives, contributing towards a healthier and more resilient Mauritius.

Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Blood Bank, the Mauritius Institute of Education, the Higher Education Commission, the Blood Donors Association and non-governmental organisations, the initiative coincides with World Mental Health Day and Pink October, the annual breast cancer awareness campaign. It aims to promote healthier lifestyles and strengthen community engagement in preventive healthcare.

The two-day event will feature blood donation sessions, health screenings, health talks, awareness sessions on drug prevention and exhibitions focusing on disease prevention and wellness.

13 October 2026

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Topics: Health