Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, has joined the Trust Premium Hospital to officially launch the Pink October awareness campaign. The month-long initiative dedicated to raising awareness about Breast Cancer was launched under the theme, "Managing Together: A Step in Closing the Gap."
During her address as Special Guest of Honour, Prof. Amfo expressed her appreciation for the invitation to the Trust Hospital and commended the dedicated healthcare professionals for their tireless efforts in the fight against breast cancer. She emphasised the special place Breast Cancer Awareness Month holds in the hearts of many, serving as a reminder of the collective responsibility in the battle against the disease.
Prof. Amfo also applauded Trust Hospital's unwavering commitment and dedication to breast cancer advocacy, spanning over a decade and a half. She recalled that Trust Hospital organises routine screening throughout Pink October. “Last year, the team successfully screened nearly 6,500 women, laying the foundation for the introduction of Trust Cancer Care, the Hospital's Oncology Service,” she said.
This year's theme, "Managing Together: A Step in Closing the Gap," was described by Prof. Amfo as powerful and poignant. She added that the theme “reflects the collaborative approach needed to address the multifaceted challenges of breast cancer. It is a reminder that we must stand together, shoulder to shoulder, to bridge the gaps in awareness, access to healthcare and support for those affected by this disease.”
The Vice-Chancellor proudly associated the University of Ghana with Trust Hospital's noble endeavor, noting the contributions of research units like the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) and the West Africa Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) in advancing knowledge about the disease and promoting early detection and prevention.
Prof. Amfo stressed the importance of partnerships with local communities and organisations in raising awareness, ensuring access to vital information and resources, and addressing breast cancer collectively. She encouraged a forward-thinking approach, leveraging opportunities in oncology to enhance care and support for those affected by breast cancer.
She highlighted the significance of Pink October as a symbol of hope and unity in the fight against breast cancer, stating, "We are all in this fight together, and together, we can conquer breast cancer."
The Chief Executive Officer of Trust Premium Hospital, Dr. Juliana Ameh, expressed her delight at hosting the launch of Pink October 2023. She acknowledged the collaborative spirit needed among stakeholders to overcome the scourge of Breast Cancer, aligning with this year's campaign theme.
Dr. Ameh reiterated Trust Hospital's longstanding commitment to leading conversations on Breast Cancer Awareness in Ghana. She hinted that collaborative efforts among committed institutions and individuals are essential to eradicating breast cancer from society.
The CEO mentioned that “despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Trust Premium Hospital remained steadfast in its mission to contribute significantly to Breast Cancer investigations by offering a 50 percent reduction for mammograms and breast ultrasounds.”
While calling for a more collaborative approach, Dr. Ameh urged academia, media, corporate entities, pharmaceutical companies, government, policymakers, religious, social and traditional groups, as well as civil society and advocacy groups to support investigations, surgeries and treatments for groups and individuals.
Recognising the power of digital and social media, she encouraged online communities to galvanize support for Breast Cancer awareness by sharing relevant content to educate a broader audience.
Dr. Ameh also launched an appeal directed at Human Resource Managers of corporate Ghana to include clinical breast examinations in their annual employee engagement activities, thereby spreading awareness within the corporate world across different industries.
She expressed her gratitude to all individuals and organisations committed to Trust Hospital's noble cause, putting emphasis on the fact that every voice and contribution is vital in the fight against Breast Cancer.
The month-long awareness creation initiative by Trust Premium Hospital will include visits and screening sessions at corporate institutions and local communities, a Breast Cancer awareness health walk, a survivor's day, a stakeholders' day, and free in-house screenings at all clinics and facilities in Osu for those who wish to get their breasts examined.
The event was attended by partners, management and staff of Trust Hospital and the media.
