Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting women’s leadership in global health and accelerating efforts to eliminate cervical cancer following high-level talks at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women 70th Session.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, held discussions with Magda Robalo, Interim Executive Director of Women in Global Health (WGH), on the sidelines of the global meeting in New York.
Focus on Cervical Cancer and Gender Inequality
The discussions centred on tackling gender inequality in the health sector and boosting women’s leadership, with a strong focus on addressing cervical cancer one of the leading causes of death among women, particularly in Africa.
Dr Robalo highlighted that cervical cancer remains the second leading cause of mortality among women globally, with Africa accounting for a significant share of cases. She attributed the high burden to factors such as low awareness, late detection, and socio-cultural practices including child marriage.
Ghana’s Policy Commitments
Dr Lartey outlined Ghana’s ongoing efforts to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cervical cancer, through key initiatives such as the Free Primary Care rollout and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Care.
She also pointed to progress in advancing gender equality, including the passage of the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, the implementation of the National Gender Policy, and the appointment of more women to leadership positions.
Strengthening Collaboration
Both parties agreed to deepen collaboration aimed at promoting women’s leadership in global health and intensifying advocacy efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in line with global targets set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
As part of the next steps, the Minister tasked Faustina Acheampong, Director for Gender, to develop a concept note to formalise the partnership with Women in Global Health.
The proposed collaboration is expected to support Ghana’s broader health and gender agenda while contributing to international efforts to reduce preventable deaths among women.
The meeting forms part of Ghana’s participation in global discussions on gender equality and sustainable development at CSW70.
