Experts, Diplomats Emphasize Women’s Health, Education, and Safety on International Women’s Day
Health professionals and diplomats have underscored the need for women to prioritize their health, emphasizing routine screenings, preventive care, and greater policy support to ensure accessibility.
Consultant Family Physician and Executive Director of Global Outreach Consortium, Dr. Priscilla Vandyck-Sey, has urged women to invest in their health as much as they do in personal grooming. Speaking at the Women’s Day Walk and Wellness Fest, she expressed concern over the rising cases of breast and cervical cancers among Ghanaian women, stressing that early detection remains the best way to combat these diseases.
The event, themed ‘Stronger Her, Healthier Future’, was organized by the High Commission of India in Ghana in partnership with the Rotary Club of Accra – Premier International and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Participants engaged in a 2.5km walk, health talks, and donation of hygiene products at the Department of Parks and Gardens in Cantonments.
Dr. Vandyck-Sey advised women to conduct monthly self-breast examinations and visit healthcare facilities for annual check-ups. She urged women over 40 to prioritize mammograms despite cost concerns, recommending they save towards the test. Similarly, she advocated for cervical cancer screenings from age 21 or 25, warning that late diagnosis remains a leading cause of fatalities.
“Screening is not free, but the cost of late detection is far higher. Women should take proactive steps to safeguard their health,” she stated. She further called on policymakers to include cervical cancer screening in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to improve accessibility, emphasizing that while policy change is important, women should not wait to take action.
Beyond physical health, Dr. Vandyck-Sey highlighted the psychological impact of breast cancer, urging communities to support, rather than stigmatize, affected individuals. She also discussed her organization’s Beyond October initiative, which promotes year-round breast cancer education through community outreach.
On a broader health policy front, she welcomed efforts to produce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in Ghana, stating that local production could significantly reduce costs and improve accessibility across West Africa.
Adding to the discussion, Madam Nimeesha Gupta, wife of the High Commissioner of India to Ghana, stressed the importance of ensuring women’s health, education, and safety. She noted that while International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements, every day should be regarded as Women’s Day due to their continuous contributions to families, workplaces, and society.
She emphasized that a fit and healthy woman is better positioned to care for her family and support community well-being, aligning with the theme of the event. She further noted that men’s involvement in women’s health issues is crucial and should not be left solely to women.
“It is not just the women who can take care. We need the participation of men in the family as well to understand the challenges women face,” she stated.
Madam Gupta also addressed the growing concern of mental stress, emphasizing that it affects both men and women, particularly within family settings. She called for increased awareness and support systems to ease the psychological burdens that many women endure.
The event brought together health experts, dignitaries, and members of the community to advocate for a stronger commitment to women’s health. Dr. Vandyck-Sey concluded by urging women to make their health a priority, stating that a healthier woman translates to a healthier society.
