Dr. Chris Kpodar, a former United Nations Consultant for Africa and the Middle East, highlighted the potential to eliminate cervical cancer in Ghana and globally through effective, low-cost methods. He emphasized the importance of HPV vaccines and routine screening and treatment to prevent cancer, stressing the need for holistic approaches integrated into existing health programs.
As part of the efforts, the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult), a development communication advocacy NGO, launched a comprehensive advocacy campaign. The campaign focuses on four pillars: free cervical cancer vaccination, scaling up prevention, encouraging early screening, and supporting treatment, with the aim of eliminating cervical cancer in Ghana by 2030.
Mr. Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, highlighted the organization's commitment to leveraging global connections to implement and scale up programs in low-resource settings. He emphasized the effectiveness and affordability of preventive measures and called for political and financial support to make them accessible to all.
The campaign will involve proactive advocacy, engaging health professionals, human rights advocates, gender activists, and communication practitioners. It aims to upscale efforts to raise awareness and promote prevention, detection, and treatment of cervical cancer.
The project, chaired by Dr. Prince Kofi Kludjeson, with support from other distinguished members, will outline modalities for the Change Paradigm Advocacy campaign. It seeks to foster collaboration between state and non-state actors to achieve the goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Ghana by 2030.
Overall, the initiative represents a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by cervical cancer and underscores the importance of concerted efforts to save lives and promote women's health in Ghana.