The Ghana Health Service has received ultrasound machines and essential medical supplies to strengthen breast cancer diagnosis and improve access to early detection services in selected district hospitals across the country.
The equipment was presented during a brief ceremony at the GHS headquarters in Accra as part of efforts to improve Ghana’s response to non-communicable diseases, particularly breast cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women.
The intervention forms part of the BEAT Breast Cancer Project being implemented by Jhpiego with support from the Pfizer Foundation.
The project seeks to expand access to quality breast imaging services, especially at the district level where diagnostic infrastructure and specialised services remain limited.
Apart from the ultrasound machines, the donation included ultrasound gel, hand sanitisers, examination gloves, breast atlases, counselling flashcards, banners and examination beds to support screening, diagnosis and patient education.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Service, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Caroline Reindorf Amissah, expressed appreciation to Jhpiego and its partners for their continued support towards healthcare delivery in Ghana.
According to her, the provision of the equipment would significantly improve the early detection of breast cancer, which remains critical in improving treatment outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.
Dr Reindorf Amissah stressed the need to decentralise diagnostic services, noting that bringing essential screening equipment closer to communities would help reduce delays in diagnosis and ensure timely referrals for treatment.
She further described the partnership between the Ghana Health Service and Jhpiego as valuable and expressed hope that the collaboration would be expanded into other critical areas of healthcare delivery.
Country Director of Jhpiego, Pearl Nanka Bruce, said the organisation remains committed to supporting Ghana’s health priorities, particularly in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
She explained that the initiative builds on earlier studies and interventions aimed at improving breast cancer care in the country.
A representative of the Pfizer Foundation also indicated that the intervention aligns with the Foundation’s broader health programmes focused on expanding access to essential medicines and strengthening healthcare systems.
The representative expressed confidence that the donation would improve patient outcomes while supporting specialised care, including assistance for medical oncologists.
The ceremony brought together officials from Jhpiego, representatives of the Pfizer Foundation, divisional, regional and district health directors, as well as members of the media.
The ultrasound machines and other supplies are expected to be distributed to selected district hospitals, including health facilities in Ledzokuku, Ga West and Shai Osudoku, to improve breast imaging services and support early diagnosis and referral systems.
