Accra: The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has enhanced cervical cancer screening and community education initiatives nationwide to prevent the disease and promote early detection among women. Dr. Wallace Odiko-Ollenu, Programmes Manager at the Non-Communicable Disease Control Programme of the GHS, emphasized the importance of consistent screening and education in reducing the impact of cervical cancer in Ghana.
According to Ghana Web, Dr. Odiko-Ollenu stated that the GHS is committed to educating women and communities about cervical cancer and encouraging regular screenings. This initiative aims to enable health professionals to detect the disease at its early stages. During a media briefing and an interview following a high-level policy dialogue at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Dr. Odiko-Ollenu highlighted efforts to increase community awareness about cervical cancer.
He explained that early detection allows health professionals to identify affected women and connect them with appropriate healthcare services. The GHS is working to enhance community-level education to improve women's understanding of cervical cancer and the importance of regular screening.
Dr. Odiko-Ollenu also discussed the support available to women diagnosed with cervical cancer after screening. Trained personnel are ready to guide patients through the health system and help them access necessary care and services. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund offers financial support to patients facing treatment cost challenges. This support is part of efforts to ensure that women diagnosed with cervical cancer receive assistance after screening.
The intensified focus on screening and public education is part of broader efforts to strengthen the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases in Ghana. Dr. Odiko-Ollenu urged women to take cervical cancer screening seriously and encouraged communities to support awareness-raising efforts.