IMaH launched cervical cancer awareness campaign

By Evelyn ARTHUR

The International Maritime Hospital (IMaH) has launched its cervical cancer awareness mqonth campaign, emphasizing early detection as a critical step in the fight against the disease.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer claims over 340,000 lives annually, with nearly 80% of cases and 90% of deaths occurring in low-income countries. In response, IMaH is intensifying its awareness efforts to promote screening, vaccination, and preventive measures.

This year’s campaign, themed “Empowering Prevention, Protection, and Early Detection Measures,” highlights the importance of a collective approach in tackling cervical cancer. As part of the initiative, the hospital is offering a 30% discount on screening laboratory tests and HPV vaccinations to encourage early detection and prevent the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Dr. Eric Korsah, the Consultant Obstetrician Gynecologist at IMaH said “cervical cancer is asymptomatic- it doesn’t present with any symptoms. In my experience, by the time you start showing symptoms post coital bleeding and vaginal discharge, it means that it is very advanced. And you know the position of the cervix – is a hidden structure we don’t see it with our naked eye. It has been found that the pap smear is the only way for you to have abnormal cells collected.”

Speaking at the launch, Member of Parliament for Tema West, Lawyer James Enu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing healthcare resources and strengthening awareness programs to mitigate the impact of cervical cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

“The President John Dramani Mahama in his Manifesto leading to the 7th December 2024 elections promised a policy initiative to establish the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund to support the cost of health care for persons with chronic diseases such as cancers including cervical cancer. I believe this will go a long way to help in early detection prevention and cure for the disease and thus reduce the incidence of cervical cancer amongst our women.”

The initiative aligns with global efforts to eliminate cervical cancer through regular screenings, HPV vaccinations, and public education. IMaH urges all eligible individuals to take advantage of the discounted services and prioritize their health through early detection.

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