*Adama, July 10, 2023*
Breast cancer, a global health challenge, has taken a significant toll on lives around the world, and Ethiopia is no exception. With breast cancer constituting around 31 percent of all cancer cases, there’s an urgent need for improved awareness and early detection strategies. Late-stage diagnoses, compounded by a lack of knowledge and nationwide screening, have contributed to the distressing trend.
A transformative initiative is now underway to address these challenges head-on. Sonja Dinner, the visionary founder and president of the DEAR Foundation, has generously extended a vital tool to Ethiopian women: the “DearMamma Breast Cancer Awareness” mobile app. Already available in 11 languages worldwide, this remarkable application has been thoughtfully translated into two Ethiopian languages: Amharic and Afan Oromo.
At the heart of this translation effort is the collaboration between the DEAR Foundation and Bridge the Gap Ethiopia. This collaborative approach enhances the app’s relevance and effectiveness in reaching the Ethiopian population.
The app guides women through the essential process of conducting breast self-examinations, emphasizing early detection and treatment to significantly reduce breast cancer mortality rates. By equipping women with the knowledge and confidence to perform these exams, the app addresses the critical gap in awareness that has led to delayed diagnoses in the past.
A distinctive feature of the “DearMamma” app is its accessibility. Designed with women of varying literacy levels in mind, the app presents step-by-step instructions accompanied by images and videos. This inclusive approach ensures that women, regardless of their educational background, can embrace the app and take charge of their breast health.
Sonja Dinner’s unwavering dedication to global healthcare is evident in her commitment to offering the “DearMamma” app free of charge. During her visit in December 2022, she extended this invaluable resource to the Ethiopian community, recognizing the pressing need for enhanced awareness and education. The translation of the app into Amharic and Afan Oromo, languages deeply rooted in the local culture, ensures that the message is conveyed effectively.
With Bridge the Gap Ethiopia’s contribution to the translation process, the “DearMamma Breast Cancer Awareness” app stands as a powerful tool in improving breast cancer outcomes in Ethiopia. By fostering a culture of early detection and raising awareness about breast cancer, this initiative aims to tackle the underlying causes of late-stage diagnoses and limited treatment access.
Empowering Ethiopian women with knowledge, the “DearMamma” app represents a beacon of hope in the fight against breast cancer. It offers women the means to take control of their health, thereby significantly improving their chances of survival through timely medical intervention.
As the “DearMamma” app continues to empower women with crucial information and early detection skills, it embodies the potential of technology, compassion, and cross-cultural collaboration in the pursuit of equitable global health.