Cervical cancer, one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, continues to claim the lives of thousands of women worldwide, Mr. Francis Ameyibor a development advocate of the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has stated.
“The fight against cervical cancer requires a multi-faceted approach. Vaccination is a critical component of this fight, and we urge parents, guardians, and individuals to take advantage of this life-saving intervention,” Mr Ameyibor stated in a statement issued on Wednesday in Accra.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for girls and boys aged 9-14 years, with a booster dose administered five years after the initial vaccination.
The vaccine has been shown to provide long-term protection against HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer.
In addition to vaccination, regular cervical cancer screening is essential for early detection and treatment.
“We must work together to prevent cervical cancer. Vaccination and screening are powerful tools in this fight. Let us join forces to protect the lives of our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” Mr Ameyibor stated.
He said the fight against cervical cancer requires a collective effort, stressing that individuals, communities, and organizations must work together to promote awareness, support vaccination and screening efforts, and advocate for policies that prioritize women’s health.
“By joining forces, we can prevent cervical cancer and create a healthier, more prosperous future for all,” Mr Ameyibor stated.
The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult Limited (CDA Consult Ltd), and Lifeline Haven Company Limited, in collaboration with Caritas Christi Hospital in Ho, Volta Region have embarked on a national advocacy campaign for Free HPV vaccination.
The CDA Consult, which is a development communication advocacy non-governmental organization, is rallying stakeholders toward a relentless national advocacy campaign to battle cervical cancer.
The CDA Consult and partners aim to bring together health professionals, human rights advocates, gender activists, religious adherents, and communication practitioners to embark on a new model of advocacy.
Ms. Nelson stressed that infection by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes over 99 percent of cervical cancers, can be prevented by safe and effective vaccines.
Mr. Ameyibor said CDA Consult has rolled out a relentless advocacy campaign to combat cervical cancer in the country and also draw global attention to the slow pace of achieving the 2030 target and the need for scaling up the process.
The CDA Consult Executive Director explained that the Change Paradigm Advocacy campaign is anchored on free HPV vaccination advocacy and scaling up prevention, detection, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer in Ghana.
In Ghana, the disease is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, with over 3,000 new cases reported annually.
However, there is hope. Vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, has been proven to be a highly effective prevention strategy.
Mr. Ameyibor called on all to learn more about HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening, encourage friends and family to get vaccinated and screened, support organizations working to prevent cervical cancer and join the advocacy for policies that prioritize women’s health.
“Together, we can prevent cervical cancer and create a brighter future for all,” Mr Ameyibor stated.
Meanwhile, Ms. Jennifer Nelson, a Preventive and Occupational Health Management Consultant has emphasized that early detection of cervical abnormalities through screening is a critical component of cervical cancer elimination and called for up-scaled efforts to combat it.
Ms. Nelson, who is also the CEO of preventive health NGO Lifeline Haven Company Limited, noted that the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy report indicates that women be screened twice, ideally at ages 35 and 45, with a high-performance test.
