Aga Khan students lead Prostate Cancer Awareness Drive

Summary:

• Aga Khan High School’s IBDP students conducted a two-week campaign in Old Kampala, providing free prostate cancer screenings and organizing a cancer run as part of their CAS projects. Emphasizing responsible citizenship, the initiative aims to raise awareness and promote early detection with a focus on prostate cancer.

The 2023/2024 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) students at Aga Khan High School initiated a two-week campaign in Old Kampala, offering free prostate cancer screenings. Aligned with the school’s commitment to combating prostate cancer, the campaign, fulfilling the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirement of the IBDP, included activities like a recent cancer run for the local community.

Mr. Michael Musaazi Magembe, the head of the international school, stressed the campaign’s importance, as part of the IBDP program’s health and environment promotion requirement. Collaborating with the Kakajjo community, the students established an annual event, fostering closer ties between the Aga Khan and less privileged communities.

The CAS projects, led by students, aim to instill responsible citizenship. Ms. Jasnoor Kour, head of media and marketing, explained the focus on prostate cancer screening, addressing the disproportionate attention to breast and cervical cancer over prostate cancer in Uganda and Africa. Partnering with the Uganda Cancer Institute, the campaign seeks to promote early detection and treatment.

Mr. Faizan Yousuf, head of administration and finance, mentioned that students independently raised funds and sought parental sponsorship for a hands-on experience. The curriculum’s community work emphasis provides exposure, preparing students for life beyond academics.

Ms. Tessa Marie Namatta, overseeing the cancer run, highlighted the three-week effort to mobilize and educate the community about cancer. Recognizing the limited discourse on cancer compared to other diseases, the students collaborated with Uganda Cancer Institute doctors to significantly raise awareness and facilitate screenings.