Protecting women from cervical cancer preserves families – CDA Consult

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has emphasized that cervical cancer has a ripple effect beyond the individual, deeply affecting entire families emotionally and financially.

“The toll of the disease is not limited to her physical health; it ripples through the household, affecting emotional stability, financial resources, and the general well-being of those closest to her,” said Ms. Jennifer Nelson, CDA Consult’s Preventive and Occupational Health Management Expert.

Ms. Nelson made the remarks during a one-day capacity-building workshop on office and project management organized by CDA Consult. The session was designed to enhance professional effectiveness and equip participants with essential skills in administration, communication, and strategic planning.

She spoke specifically on the social and economic impact of cervical cancer—one of the key areas of advocacy for CDA Consult in partnership with Lifeline Haven Company Limited and Caritas Christi Hospital in the Volta Region.

“Mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives who are diagnosed with cervical cancer often become the epicentre of a difficult journey, one that involves hospital visits, medical costs, lost income, and emotional strain on caregivers,” she added.

Ms. Nelson, who is also Executive Director of Lifeline Haven Company Limited, stressed that the disease is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening. However, she noted that in many low- and middle-income communities, awareness and access to these preventive tools remain insufficient.

“Girls between the ages of 9 and 14 who are the ideal candidates for the HPV vaccine are often missed due to cultural misconceptions, fear, or lack of education,” she explained.

She also pointed out that many adult women are either unaware of or unable to access screening services, which could detect abnormal cervical cell changes before they progress into cancer.

Underscoring the broader implications, Ms. Nelson said prevention should be viewed not only as a medical imperative but a communal one.

“This is a call to action for policymakers, health institutions, religious leaders, and families themselves to invest in prevention, talk openly about reproductive health, and support initiatives that protect the women who hold our homes together,” she said.

“When a woman falls sick, especially with something as serious as cervical cancer, her entire family suffers. But when she is protected, her family thrives,” Ms. Nelson added.

CDA Consult’s Executive Director, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, highlighted that in 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) member states endorsed a bold strategy to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030. Yet, despite increased funding for HPV vaccination and screening, current investment still falls significantly short of the $10.5 billion needed to reach the global target in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Mr. Ameyibor emphasized that CDA Consult and its partners are intensifying advocacy through their “Change Paradigm” campaign, which pushes for free HPV vaccination, enhanced awareness, and improved detection and treatment mechanisms in Ghana.

He said early detection remains central to eliminating cervical cancer, and CDA Consult is committed to uniting health professionals, human rights advocates, religious groups, and media practitioners in a comprehensive national campaign.

As the 2030 deadline approaches, Mr. Ameyibor acknowledged progress in awareness but warned that without intensified efforts, the global goal may be missed.

"As we approach the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal threshold for cervical cancer eradication, we need to scale up our efforts through a comprehensive national action involving both state and non-state actors," he said.