The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has called for stronger social protection measures and increased community support for people affected by breast cancer and their families.
She said breast cancer remained a major public health concern in Ghana, requiring comprehensive interventions that addressed not only patients’ medical needs but also the social, emotional and economic challenges associated with the disease.
Dr. Lartey made the call during a breast cancer and HIV screening outreach organised by the Lordina Foundation in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission for residents of Nungua in the Greater Accra Region.
The Minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Nungua, stressed the need to pay greater attention to the challenges patients and their families face throughout the treatment process.
She urged families, employers, traditional and religious leaders, as well as public and private institutions, to help eliminate discrimination against people affected by breast cancer and provide them with practical support.
According to her, collective responsibility and community solidarity were essential to ensuring that patients received the care, understanding and assistance they needed during treatment.
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr. Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, has called for increased awareness of breast cancer and HIV, urging the public to prioritise early screening and seek timely medical attention.
He stressed that breast cancer awareness should go beyond simply recognising the disease to taking proactive steps, including regular screening and prompt medical consultation.
Dr. Akanbong also encouraged the public to undergo HIV testing to know their status and make informed decisions about their health.
The outreach formed part of efforts to promote early detection, encourage HIV testing and improve residents’ access to essential health screening services.
Story by: Frank Lartey
