Rotary International makes significant contributions to cervical cancer treatment in Ghana
The Rotary Clubs of Accra-East, Ghana, and Eau Claire, Florida, USA have presented 50 thermal coagulators to the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Centre of the Catholic Hospital in Battor in the Volta Region.
The specialized cervical pre-cancer treatment devices, purchased with a $70,000 grant from the Rotary Foundation, would be distributed to health facilities across the country, especially those in under-served communities.
The initiative would see the beneficiary health facilities offering a safe and effective alternative to surgical procedures for cervical pre-cancer, to save lives, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and empower women to take control of their health.
The President of the Rotary Club of Accra-East, Serge Sourou Oga, indicated that, it was his outfit’s greatest desire to see women burdened with cervical cancer provided the best treatment to save their lives, hence the initiative.
“Today, in a collaborative effort with the Rotary Foundation and the Rotary Club of Eau Claire, we offer these 50 thermal coagulators, specialized cervical pre-cancer treatment devices, to complement your work mainly for under-served communities. This achievement is a gift of hope, empowerment, and a brighter future for women facing the threat of cervical cancer,” he said.
He expressed optimism that access to cervical pre-cancer treatment would improve, leading to a higher likelihood of early detection, successful outcomes for women in need and reducing mortality.
“This initiative also serves as a model for future collaborations between Rotary clubs, organizations, and communities worldwide”, he added.
Rotarian President Oga extended an invitation to the attendees to join the Rotary Club of Accra-East and become active Rotarians who selflessly volunteer to improve lives in their communities.
He recalled that Rotary has 1.4 million passionate individuals in 46,000+ clubs worldwide.
“Rotary is both an international organization and a local community leader humanitarian group. Together they lead change in their backyards and across the world”, he concluded.
In a goodwill message, members of the Rotary Club of Eau Claire, USA, expressed their deep appreciation for the opportunity to support Dr. Effah and his team at the Catholic Hospital – Battor in the fight against cervical cancer in Ghana.
They emphasized the life-saving impact these 50 thermal ablation devices would have on women in Ghana and across the world.
The Head of the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Centre of the Catholic Hospital, Dr. Kofi Effah, was elated with the donation highlighting its significant contribution to the fight against cervical cancer which kills about 1,700 patients annually in Ghana.
He said the gadgets would intensify treatment and enhance the training of health professionals at the center.
He outlined that the thermal coagulators would be distributed to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), LEKMA Hospital, Ga East Municipal Hospital, St. Anthony’s Hospital, and Dzodze, among others.
Cervical cancer is a malignant tumor of the lower-most part of the womb caused by the human papillomavirus.
According to the International Cancer Organization, about 2,800 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year in Ghana, out of which more than the figure perish, after suffering.
Due to the lack of treatment facilities, equipment, and specialty, about 1,700 patients die from the disease every year.
The life-threatening disease can be prevented by a vaccine, and as well cured if diagnosed at an early stage and treated promptly.
Stakeholders in the health sector have been advocating for a national vaccination campaign to save lives against cervical cancer.
Source: Ghana News
