AMPATH Ghana Works to Expand Cervical Cancer Screening and Treatment in Northern Ghana

Cervical Cancer Screening Training Small Group

Cervical cancer, despite being preventable and curable, is one of the leading causes of death for young women in Africa. AMPATH Ghana is working to reduce the number of these preventable deaths by scaling up cervical cancer screening and treatment at Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH). Our collaborative effort brings together a diverse team of nurses, midwives, and doctors, uniting their respective areas of expertise to strengthen the screening and treatment capabilities within the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Through strategic measures such as refining screening and referral protocols, developing culturally appropriate patient education material, procuring essential treatment equipment, and integrating screening services into existing family planning initiatives, we're forging a comprehensive approach at TTH. A new chapter is unfolding at TTH with comprehensive treatment services being offered for cervical cancer. Our vision is for TTH to emerge as the foremost center of excellence for cervical cancer care in northern Ghana.

In addition to strengthening the screening and treatment capacity at TTH, AMPATH Ghana envisions a broader impact across northern Ghana. Central to this vision is the expansion of cervical cancer screening services to encompass health facilities beyond TTH. Our multidisciplinary working group developed a 2-week training program in cervical cancer screening and management encompassing theory, hands-on clinical skills practice, and counseling focused on communication skills and strategies. Most importantly, our strong quality assurance plan, which includes in-person visits by trained clinicians to intervention communities as well as tele-mentoring, will ensure successful implementation of cervical cancer screening throughout the region. In May of 2024, we launched our inaugural training course, which saw the successful graduation of 13 nurses and midwives hailing from six primary healthcare centers across the Northern region. This milestone marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards universal access to cervical cancer screening in northern Ghana with appropriate and timely linkage to advanced management at TTH.