Ghana commits to advancing women's leadership, ending cervical cancer

Ghana's Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, met with Dr Magda Robalo, Interim Executive Director of Women in Global Health (WGH), on the sidelines of the 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York.

The meeting focused on addressing gender inequality and promoting women's leadership in global health, with a specific emphasis on eliminating cervical cancer.

Dr Robalo highlighted the alarming statistics on cervical cancer, which is the second leading cause of mortality among women, particularly in Africa, where it accounts for 31.9% of global cases.

Factors contributing to this include lack of awareness, late detection, polygamy, and child marriage.

Dr Lartey shared Ghana's commitment to reducing mortality rates from non-communicable diseases, including cervical cancer, through initiatives such as the Free Primary Care rollout and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Care).

The meeting also discussed Ghana's progress in promoting gender equality, including the appointment of women to key positions, the passage of the Affirmative Action Act (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, and the National Gender Policy.

Both parties agreed to enhance women's leadership in global health and advance advocacy to eliminate cervical cancer and achieve WHO goals.

The Minister tasked the Director for Gender, Madam Faustina Acheampong, to develop a concept note for the collaboration, which will be shared with Dr. Robalo to kick-start the partnership.

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