Tarkwa: Mrs. Wilhemina Tiwaah Duah Morttey, the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Director of Health, has revealed that three cases of cervical cancer have been reported in Tarkwa this year. She noted that women might not experience symptoms of the disease until it reaches advanced stages, complicating timely treatment.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Morttey shared this information during the launch of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine campaign aimed at girls aged nine to 14 years in Akyempim, within the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipality. The event was held under the theme 'Cervical cancer is preventable. Let us give our girls a healthy future.'
Mrs. Morttey highlighted that cervical cancer is a significant threat to women in Ghana, ranking as the second most prevalent cancer among them. She mentioned that each year, 600,000 women globally are diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 350,000 succumb to the disease. She urged action to prevent children from suffering from this illness.
She also addressed concerns from some parents who have advised school authorities against vaccinating their children, emphasizing that this could increase their risk of developing cervical cancer. She reassured parents that vaccinated girls were less likely to develop the disease in the future.
Mr. Stephen Adjei, Senior Manager-Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, in a speech read on his behalf, described the theme of the event as a call to action, noting the importance of prevention. He stressed that protecting and nurturing girls is crucial for the country's prosperity.
Mr. Adjei commended the Ghana Health Service for its dedication to this cause and expressed gratitude to the Municipal Health Directorate, Assembly, community leaders, teachers, and parents for their support in the vaccination campaign. He stated that Iduapriem Mine would collaborate with other partners to ensure no girl in their communities suffers from preventable illness, advocating for healthy living and empowered communities.
Mrs. Catherine Biney, Municipal Director of Education, remarked that while malaria has been a focal point due to its deadly nature, the devastating impact of cancers is now evident. She emphasized that protecting the youth from cervical cancer secures the nation's future leaders. Mrs. Biney expressed appreciation to researchers for their relentless efforts in finding a solution and hoped it would enable women to overcome the disease and achieve their dreams.
