First Lady participates in cancer conference in Namibia
The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has arrived in Windhoek, Namibia, for the eighth Stop Cervical, Breast and Prostate Cancers in Africa (SCCA) conference and exhibition.
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The three-day conference is being organised by the Forum of African First Ladies against Breast and Cervical Cancer, under the auspices of the First Lady of Namibia, Mrs Penehupifo Pohamba, to discuss cancers of the reproductive systems as a step to the development of strategic actions that would help in the reduction of these cancers.
Mrs Mahama, who was accompanied by the Director General of the Ghana AIDS Commissions, Dr Angela El-Adas, is expected to give a speech on cervical and breast cancer during the conference.
As Vice-President of the African First Ladies Against HIV and AIDS (OAFLA), Mrs Mahama, through her foundation, Lordina Foundation, has embarked on breast, cervical cancers and HIV and AIDS campaign to create awareness and educate women and men on reproductive system cancers and diseases.
The conference
The eighth SCCA conference will discuss the status of cancers in the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa, with particular focus on girls, adolescents, women, as well as men of the reproductive age.
The conference, dubbed, "Moving forward to end cervical cancer by 2030: Universal access to cervical prevention," is being attended by first ladies from across Africa, ministers of health, parliamentarians, medical experts and other stakeholders. Speakers at the conference include the President of Namibia, Mr Hifikepunye Pohamba, and Mrs Pohamba.
The situation
Reproductive system cancers are on the rise, especially in developing countries. Breast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women and is said to be on the increase among women in developing countries.
Cervical cancer is the second leading cancer among women, killing close to about 270,000 women globally every year. Prostate cancer, which is common in men, among other reproductive cancers such as endometrial and ovarian, is also on the rise.
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The conference is, therefore, to solicit high-level political commitment and support against cancers in Africa, as well as review programme approaches and tools and recommend innovative solutions to improve prevention, diagnosis and management of cancers.