Mrs Lordina Mahama In A Group Picture Wtih Her Colleague First Ladies At A Conference In Ethiopia
FIRST LADIES of African countries have pledged their support to ending breast and cervical cancer in Africa at the 10th Stop Cervical, Breast and Prostate Cancer in Africa (SCCA) conference, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The conference, themed: ‘A Decade of Accomplishment – Our Enduring Legacies’, brought together African first ladies and dignitaries from across the continent and beyond to share their successes, experience and discuss the way forward in eliminating cervical, breast and prostate cancers from Africa.
Lordina Mahama, First Lady of Ghana and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV & AIDS, said the 10th anniversary of the SCCA conference is worth celebrating since it has yielded the desired results.
Mrs Mahama believes the SSCA conference is one response among many to the alarming cancer situation on the continent.
The first lady pointed out that through the annual conference and forum, African first ladies have integrated issues of cervical, breast and other cancers into their advocacy activities.
“The strategic plan for the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS in Africa (OAFLA) for 2014 to 2018 prioritises cervical cancer as a standalone programme goal; Goal 3. Consequently, OAFLA members continue to advocate the prevention and early diagnosis of cervical and breast cancers, especially among women and girls through an integrated, rights-based approach to assuring their sexual and reproductive health,” she disclosed.
Ghana’s first lady shared her successes with her colleagues on her efforts to eliminate HIV, breast and cervical cancers in her country.
She indicated that since 2013, she has worked with the Ghana AIDS Commission to roll out the ‘Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Keeping Mothers Alive Campaign’ in Ghana.
“We have successfully brought free integrated HIV, SRH, breast and cervical cancer services to seven out of 10 regions in Ghana. During such health outreaches, I engage directly with the leaders, members and survivors in the communities to advocate male involvement and to dispel myths and beliefs which lead to late presentation,” she mentioned.
Mrs Mahama said, “I see the day when breast, cervical and prostate cancer screening are routinely offered, where all patients are diagnosed early and receive adequate and timely treatment, care and rehabilitation. I see that day.”
“And I thank all of those who have been part of this great story. Today, millions of women, children and men in Africa have access to cancer information, prevention, treatment and care services because of this excellent knowledge and experience sharing platform,” she stated.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri