Cervical Cancer Conference in Africa
Thursday, 24 June 2010 07:31
The Government of Ghana in collaboration with the Princess Nikky Breast and Cervical Cancer Foundation, a Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the forefront of breast and cervical cancer prevention and control in Africa, will on the 25th to 27th of July host the 4th Stop Cervical Cancer Conference in Africa (SCCA), Accra.
The main objectives of the conference is to strategise, galvanise and mobilise African government, global support and funding for cervical cancer prevention, since cervical cancer is a number one killer amongst women in Africa followed by breast cancer.
The Theme for the coference is, ‘’Africa Unite in Action, Mobilising Political and Financial Support to Strengthen Cervical Cancer Prevention.’’
Briefing the Media in Accra yesterday, the founder of the Foundation, Mrs. Princess Nikky explained that the organisation is an NGO that has been championing cancer control and prevention in Africa: with offices in Nigeria, Uganda, South Africa and Seychelles respectively.
She indicated that other objectives include formulating an appropriate document at the 4th SCCA, to be used for future advocacy to Governments, NGO’S Corporations and individuals for immediate investment and funding of cervical cancer prevention.
Princess Nikky disclosed that over 500 International, African and local delegates are expected at the conference including First Lady, Her Excellency, Ernestina Naadu Mills of Ghana, Madam Tobeka Madiba of Zuma of South Africa as well as Her Royal Highness, Queen Sibonelo Lambikiza of Swaziland and other Africa First ladies.
‘’We, therefore, seek for the support of the media in sensitising the public on the upcoming 4th SCCA Conference in Accra,” she concluded.
The Minister of Health, Hon. Benjamin Kunbour noted that the Pre-Conference Press Briefing is being organised as part of the advocacy and awareness creation programme, adding that breast cancer is normally found in women at the age group of 35 years and above.
‘’This is as a result of the epidemiological transition, recent changes in diet, social environment and adaptation of lifestyles resembling those of the developed countries,’’ he reiterated.
He gave the assurance that the Ministry with the support of all the other Ministries will advocate and create awareness to publicise as well as sensitise stakeholders first about the conference and secondly, towards the achievement of the main objectives of the conference.
Hon. Benjamin Kunbour, therefore, thanked all organisations especially, the financial institutions for their contributions and support towards a successful conference.
Source: ISD (Michelle Fafa Agbenorto)
