CDA Consult calls for greater focus on cervical cancer prevention, urges support for free HPV vaccination

The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult) has called for intensified national efforts to combat cervical cancer, urging stakeholders to give the disease the same level of attention and public advocacy as breast cancer.

The organisation stressed that tackling women's cancers requires a comprehensive approach that combines sustained breast cancer awareness with stronger education on cervical cancer prevention.

Speaking during a media engagement in Koforidua in the Eastern Region over the weekend, the Executive Director of CDA Consult, Mr. Francis Ameyibor, said promoting awareness of both diseases would strengthen prevention efforts and create “a shield for generations,” by equipping women and girls with the knowledge needed to safeguard their long-term health.

He noted that although breast cancer receives significant public attention during annual awareness campaigns, cervical cancer—despite being largely preventable through regular screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination—continues to receive limited public education.

According to him, the lack of awareness, stigma associated with gynaecological examinations and limited access to routine screening in some communities have contributed to late diagnosis and avoidable deaths among women.

Mr. Ameyibor urged the media to play a leading role in promoting cervical cancer awareness, noting that many women delay seeking medical attention until the disease has reached an advanced stage.

“Many women only seek medical attention when symptoms have advanced, reducing the chances of successful treatment,” he said.

He called on media organisations, civil society groups, faith-based organisations and community health stakeholders to join a coordinated advocacy campaign promoting regular medical check-ups, early screening and HPV vaccination.

Mr. Ameyibor reaffirmed CDA Consult's commitment to mobilising health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, government institutions and civil society organisations to intensify efforts aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in Ghana.

He said integrating cervical cancer education into mainstream public health campaigns would provide women with accurate information and encourage early detection and treatment.

The Executive Director also appealed to parents and guardians to ensure that eligible girls receive the HPV vaccine, describing it as one of the most effective interventions for preventing cervical cancer later in life.

He said CDA Consult would continue to promote cervical cancer awareness through community outreach programmes, media partnerships, workplace education and digital advocacy campaigns.

Mr. Ameyibor welcomed the government's decision to introduce the HPV vaccine into Ghana's routine immunisation programme for girls aged nine years and acknowledged the support of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners.

He noted that the nationwide HPV vaccination campaign, scheduled to begin in September, targets girls between the ages of nine and 14 and represents a major milestone in Ghana's efforts to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030.

According to him, CDA Consult has since 2023 been implementing a nationwide Change Paradigm Advocacy Campaign for Free HPV Vaccination to promote prevention, early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.

He explained that the organisation regularly brings together health professionals, human rights advocates, gender activists, religious leaders and communication practitioners to educate the public on cervical cancer prevention and broader health issues.

The advocacy campaign, he said, combines calls for free HPV vaccination with sustained public education on screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Mr. Ameyibor noted that the campaign is being carried out under the national theme, "Ghana Must Rise Against Cervical Cancer," with regional-specific slogans and advocacy strategies designed to strengthen public education across the country.

“Our team will work with regional health professionals to embark on vigorous education across the districts to ensure that the message to combat cervical cancer through vaccination, screening, diagnosis and treatment is spread across,” he said.

He described the inclusion of the HPV vaccine in Ghana's national immunisation schedule as a major breakthrough in the country's fight against cervical cancer.

“As holistic health advocates, CDA Consult is pleased for the nationwide initiative and more delighted for the government has adopted the HPV vaccination into the national routine immunization schedules for girls; this is a major breakthrough,” Mr. Ameyibor noted.

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