Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Vaccination Campaign at Ghanaman Soccer Centre

A Successful Initiative

The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram became a hub of energy and engagement over the past two days as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) collaborated with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to conduct a significant Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Vaccination campaign.

Key Leaders and Their Mission

The initiative, led by Dr. Christiana Baah and her committed medical team, including Richard Mensah, Rabiatu Abubakar, Christiana Pokuaa, Yaa Sarfowaa, and Henry Bart-plange, aimed to inform and protect young female footballers and referees against cervical cancer—a disease that is both preventable and one of the leading causes of mortality among women around the globe.

Part of the “GFA Cares” Initiative

This campaign was part of the GFA Foundation’s “GFA Cares” initiative, which seeks to foster health and wellness across the sporting community.

Support from the Health Authorities

Under the guidance of Dr. Asiedu Bekoe, the Director of Public Health, the Ningo Prampram District Health Directorate, led by Madam Patience Mamattah, along with the public health staff from Prampram Poly Clinic, conducted an awareness session that combined practical educational efforts with HPV vaccinations.

Importance of Early Detection

During her presentation, Dr. Christiana Baah, a Community Medicine Physician and an advocate for women’s health, highlighted the critical role of early detection in combating cervical cancer.
“Cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination and regular screening. Our young athletes must be protected, not only on the field but also in their long-term health,” she explained.

Engaging Presentations

The awareness session included an interactive visual presentation that underscored the risks associated with ignoring early warning signs and illustrated the advantages of the HPV vaccine, routine screenings, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Active Participation

The event drew over a hundred young female footballers, coaches, and support personnel, who engaged enthusiastically and posed important questions regarding reproductive health. Dr. Asiedu Bekoe praised the GFA and the medical team for their foresight in incorporating public health education into the realm of sports development.

A Model for Health and Sports Integration

“This initiative serves as a blueprint for how sports organizations can play a part in achieving national health objectives. We must continue to unify fitness, education, and prevention,” he stated.

Commitment to Women’s Health

The GFA Foundation reiterated its dedication to leveraging football as a catalyst for positive social change, emphasizing the significance of women’s health. The campaign proved to be both educational and lifesaving, as many participants received their initial doses of the HPV vaccine during the event.

Advocacy for Community Action

The program concluded with a renewed commitment among participants to advocate for cervical cancer prevention within their communities, resonating with the campaign’s central message:
“Do not ignore what is underneath; cervical cancer can be beaten if caught early.”

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