The Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram was an exciting place to be in the last two days as the Ghana Football Association (GFA) in partnership with Ghana Health Service (GHS), hosted an impactful Cervical Cancer Awareness and HPV Vaccination campaign. The program, spearheaded by Dr. Christiana Baah and her dedicated medical team Richard Mensah, Rabiatu Abubakar, Christiana Pokuaa, Yaa Sarfowaa and Henry Bart-plange aimed to educate and protect young female footballers and Referees against cervical cancer, one of the most preventable yet deadly diseases affecting women worldwide.
The event formed part of the GFA Foundation’s “GFA Cares” initiative, designed to promote health and wellness among footballers and the wider sporting community. With the support of the Director of Public Health, Dr. Asiedu Bekoe, the Ningo Prampram District Health Directorate lead by Madam Patience Mamattah and the Public Health Staffs of Prampram Poly Clinic, the awareness session combined practical health education with preventive action through HPV vaccination.
In her presentation, Dr. Christiana Baah, a Community Medicine Physician and advocate for women’s health, emphasized the importance of early detection and prevention.
“Cervical cancer is highly preventable through vaccination and regular screening. Our young athletes must be protected, not only on the field but also in their long-term health,” she said.
The awareness session featured an engaging visual presentation highlighting the dangers of neglecting early signs and the benefits of the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccine, regular screening, and safe lifestyle choices.
Over a hundred young female footballers, coaches, and support staff attended the event, actively participating and asking vital questions about reproductive health.
Dr. Asiedu Bekoe commended the GFA and medical team for their proactive effort in integrating public health education into sports development.
“This initiative is a model for how sports institutions can contribute to national health goals. We must continue to merge fitness, education, and prevention,” he noted.
The GFA Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to using football as a platform for positive social change, stressing that women’s health is a priority. The campaign was not only educational but also lifesaving, as many participants received their first doses of the HPV vaccine during the event.
The program ended with renewed enthusiasm among participants to become advocates for cervical cancer prevention in their communities, echoing the campaign message projected during the session:
“Do not ignore what is underneath, cervical cancer can be beaten if caught early.”
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