The second edition of the Zongo Health Campaign, founded and organised by broadcast journalist and community development advocate Hawawu Abdul Karim Young Pioneer, has screened more than 110 people in Mamobi, Accra, identifying three participants with breast lumps, three HIV-positive test results and several cases of elevated blood sugar.
The free breast cancer awareness and general health screening exercise was held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Tuwon Zara 2, Baba Alhamdu Street, in collaboration with Accra Newtown Islamic Hospital.
The initiative was conceived, planned and organised by Hawawu to promote early detection, improve access to health information and encourage women, particularly those in Zongo communities, to take their health seriously.
Medical personnel advised participants with breast lumps to seek further medical assessment, with referrals made for additional care. The doctor also encouraged women and the wider public to take breast cancer and their general health seriously. The breast lumps identified during the exercise were preliminary findings and not confirmed breast cancer diagnoses.
The campaign’s founder said the initiative was inspired by a TikTok video shared by midwife Samira Atcha Affo towards the end of October 2024, in which she expressed concern about the limited involvement of Hausa-speaking imams, Zongo leaders and influencers in breast cancer awareness.
Hawawu subsequently began engaging religious leaders, community figures, journalists, radio and television stations, and social media influencers to use their platforms to encourage screening and early medical attention. The first edition was held in 2025, and the October 2026 exercise marked the second edition.
Although Hawawu led the planning, coordination and organisation of the event, the campaign also received sponsorship and logistical support, including support from Alhaji Ahmed Iddris Abubakar Sarki Jordan, Sarkin Cissawan West Africa. Accra Newtown Islamic Hospital provided the medical collaboration, while media partners helped publicise the exercise and encourage participation.
Hawawu said her goal is to make breast cancer awareness a continuous conversation in Zongo communities, using trusted religious leaders, the media and community influencers to encourage women to seek screening and families to support them.
She stressed that the campaign is driven by the need to save lives through awareness and early detection, rather than fundraising.