Omni Diagnostics Ltd on January 18, 2024 organized a HPV and Cervical Cancer Seminar themed, “Advancing Awareness, Building Capacities, and Enhancing Healthcare in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer and Human Papillomavirus.”

In alignment with global cancer elimination targets, the seminar brought together fore players in the efforts aimed at combating cervical cancer. The symposium’s primary objective was to sensitise healthcare providers to cervical cancer and HPV, fostering an increased understanding of their management and exposure to available diagnostics. The event drew over 200 participants, comprising health professionals, researchers, development partners, and policymakers.

During the symposium, the Director-General of the GHS, Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, revealed that the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) had established a Technical Working Group for cervical cancer. He emphasized the importance of deliberate investments in cervical cancer prevention and control, even as initial efforts had been set in motion.

Globally, cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most common cancer in women, with 604,000 new cases and 342,000 related deaths recorded in 2020. Low- and middle-income countries account for over 90 percent of these deaths. In Ghana, cervical cancer stands as the second most prevalent cancer in females, impacting an estimated 3,151 women, with a case fatality rate of 66 percent.

Various strategies have been deployed in the country to combat cervical cancer, including a comprehensive life-course approach based on the mode of transmission of the causative pathogen and the disease’s progression. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye highlighted the nation’s focus on HPV vaccination, involving partnerships, awareness creation, community sensitization, and political advocacy to vaccinate young girls before the age of 15.

While efforts are underway to introduce HPV vaccines as part of routine immunisation, commercially available vaccines are also encouraged. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye urged individuals to patronize these vaccines for cervical cancer prevention.

Ibrahim Fuseini, Sales and Marketing Manager at Omni Diagnostics Ltd., stressed the necessity for collaborative efforts among healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to effectively address the threats posed by HPV. Omni Diagnostics Ltd. is committed to being a frontline contributor in this endeavour and supporting ongoing global efforts to combat cervical cancer. The Centre pledged its commitment to collaboration with researchers to provide safe, effective, and high-quality laboratory services for investigations, diagnosis, management, and treatment of cervical cancer, as well as the handling of the virus.