The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has launched a month-long Cervical Cancer Awareness campaign to promote public education, expand Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination for girls, and increase screening services for women across the metropolis.

The initiative, coordinated by the Accra Metropolitan Health Directorate and promoted via social media, will run until the end of January.

Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, emphasised that the campaign prioritises cervical cancer prevention due to the persistent loss of women’s lives to the disease.

He encouraged women aged 25 and above to utilise the screening services offered, noting that early detection of precancerous changes significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Dr Louisa Ademki Matey, Director of Health Services at the AMA, said the Directorate will intensify health education and service delivery throughout the campaign.

“This includes providing cervical cancer screening tests for women aged 25 and above, facilitating referrals, and ensuring prompt treatment for those diagnosed with precancer or cancer,” she explained, stressing that early action saves lives and improves health outcomes.

The Mayor said that HPV vaccination remains a critical preventive measure. “We are mobilising parents, schools, faith-based organisations, and community leaders to support the vaccination of girls aged 9 to 14 against HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer,” he said.

Community sensitisation activities will run throughout the campaign, aiming to raise awareness of cervical cancer risks, promote preventive measures, and ensure that women and girls have access to timely, life-saving services.