By Alex Baah Boadi
Sefwi-Anyinabrim (WN/R), Nov. 03, GNA – The Anglican Diocesan Development Organisation (ADDRO), a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), in collaboration with the Wiawso Municipal Health Directorate, has climaxed a breast cancer awareness campaign with a free screening exercise for about 647 women and young girls.
A total of 17 out of the 647 screened were suspected cases and they were referred to the Wiawso Government Hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.
The event which was used to sensitise the public and raise awareness on breast cancer, formed part of ADDRO’s “Moment that Matter (MTM)” project, an Early Childhood Development Programme Funded by the Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD), USA.
The project sought to promote and nurture care for children aged between zero and three years, while empowering caregivers economically through its Savings with Education (SwE) and skills training.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of the exercise, Mr Michael Arthur, ADDRO Western North Regional Project Officer, said the free screening exercise aligned with this year’s global theme, and that the organisation focused on early detection and ending stigma as announced by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
He stated that as part of the pink October month, the organisation collaborated with the Wiawso Health Directorate to embark on free breast cancer screening and awareness campaigns in the 10 communities where ADDRO was implementing the MTM programme.
Mr Isaac Belia Benson, the Wiawso Municipal Health Promotion Officer, thanked ADDRO for the initiative and advised women to take breast cancer education and screening seriously since early detection saved lives.
Madam Sarah Abena Oppong, a Staff Midwife at the Boako Health Centre, also advised women to visit health facilities for regular check-ups for breast cancer.
Some of the beneficiaries in an interview with the GNA, commended ADDRO for bringing the screening exercise closer to them.
Madam Akua Afriyie, a beneficiary, encouraged women especially young girls to take advantage of future screening exercise to know their status, and always seek advice from experts for informed decisions.
GNA
Edited by Justina Paaga/ Christabel Addo