NABD-BC2 Gives Breast Cancer Patients a Voice at ENSP Conference on Health Literacy

NABD-BC2 brought the patient perspective to the second conference in the 2026–2027 series hosted by the National School of Public Health (ENSP). Held in Rabat on October 22, 2026, the conference addressed the theme: “Putting Citizens at the Heart of Health System Reform: The Role of Health Literacy.”

The association was represented by Ms. Fatima Ezzohra Mchirah, member of NABD-BC2 and author of My Breast Wasn’t So Healthy, who took part in a session dedicated to personal testimonies. The session brought together the perspectives of researchers and citizens, highlighting the importance of placing patients’ lived experiences at the centre of discussions on healthcare.

The conference brought together several prominent figures from the fields of healthcare, public health, and research. Among them were Dr. Houda Sefiani, Director of ENSP; Dr. Abdelali Alaoui Beghiti, former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Health, independent consultant, and part-time lecturer in healthcare management; Professor Saber Boutayeb, Director General of the Mohammed VI Center for Research and Innovation (CM6RI); and Professor Ihsane Hmamouchi, Vice Dean of the International Faculty of Medicine in Rabat, epidemiologist, and rheumatologist. Dr. Karima Boumendil, a dentist and specialist in public health and health programme management, also attended the event.

In a deeply personal account, Ms. Mchirah spoke about the moment she first received her diagnosis, describing how she had to face the news alone, without even understanding the medical term used to describe her condition. Her testimony highlighted an important dimension of health literacy: the challenge goes far beyond access to medical information. It also involves understanding a diagnosis, treatment options, potential side effects, and the precautions patients need to take throughout their care journey.

She further stressed that health literacy must address the realities patients face in their everyday lives, including the need for psychological support, changes in body image, the impact of treatment on intimate relationships, and the often-overlooked process of physical and emotional recovery.

Ms. Mchirah also drew attention to the social stigma that continues to surround cancer, explaining how shame and taboos can leave many women facing their diagnosis and receiving their medical results without adequate information, guidance, or emotional support.

Addressing healthcare professionals, she called for a stronger partnership between medical teams and patients. She urged professionals never to leave a woman to receive life-changing news on her own and to ensure that she fully understands what her diagnosis means for her health and her life. She also emphasised the importance of openly discussing the effects of treatment on the body, self-image, and relationships; systematically referring patients for psychological support; and recognising patient associations as essential partners in providing support and bridging the gap between healthcare institutions and patients.

NABD-BC2 extends its sincere thanks to ENSP and its Director, Dr. Houda Sefiani, as well as to Dr. Laila Bouhamidi, who coordinated the organisation of the conference, for the invitation and opportunity to contribute to this important discussion. The association also thanks all the speakers and participants for their attentive engagement and for recognising the essential role patients play in their own care.

Through its participation, NABD-BC2 reaffirms its commitment to promoting health literacy as a key driver of meaningful change. Ensuring that women have access to clear information, understand their treatment, and are genuinely heard is essential to making patients informed, empowered, and recognised as full partners in the healthcare system.