The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched a month-long Cervical Cancer Awareness campaign aimed at intensifying public education, expanding Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls, and increasing screening for women across the metropolis.
The campaign, rolled out by the Accra Metropolitan Health Directorate through various social media platforms, will run until the end of the month. It is designed to promote early detection and ensure prompt, life-saving treatment for women diagnosed with cervical precancer and cancer.
Speaking on the initiative, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, said the Assembly is prioritising cervical cancer prevention due to the continued loss of women’s lives to the disease.
He stressed that early action through vaccination, regular screening and timely treatment remains the most effective strategy for reducing cervical cancer-related deaths.
Mr Allotey explained that activities scheduled for the month will focus on community sensitisation on cervical cancer risks and prevention, while mobilising parents, schools, faith-based organisations and community leaders to support the vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14 against HPV, identified as a leading cause of cervical cancer.
The Mayor also encouraged women, particularly those aged 25 years and above, to take advantage of screening services that will be offered during the campaign, noting that early detection of precancerous changes significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces the financial burden on families.
On her part, the Director of Health Services at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Dr Louisa Ademki Matey, said the Directorate will intensify health education and service delivery throughout the campaign period.
She explained that this will include the provision of cervical cancer screening tests for women aged 25 years and above, referrals, and prompt treatment for those diagnosed with cervical precancer and cancer, as part of efforts to save lives and improve women’s health outcomes in the metropolis.
