The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has received ultrasound machines and essential medical supplies to enhance breast cancer diagnosis and improve access to early detection services across selected district hospitals in the country.
The equipment was presented at a brief handover ceremony held at the GHS Headquarters in Accra, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the health system’s response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly breast cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality among women in Ghana.
The intervention forms part of the BEAT Breast Cancer Project being implemented by Jhpiego with support from the Pfizer Foundation. The project aims to improve access to quality breast imaging services, especially at the district level, where diagnostic capacity is often limited.
In addition to the ultrasound machines, the donation included a range of essential items to support service delivery.
These comprised ultrasound gel, hand sanitisers, examination gloves, breast atlases, banners, counselling flashcards, and examination beds, among others, to facilitate effective screening, diagnosis, and patient education.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Service, the Deputy Director-General, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, expressed appreciation to Jhpiego and its partners for their continued support towards improving healthcare delivery in Ghana.
She noted that the provision of the ultrasound machines and accompanying supplies will significantly enhance early detection of breast cancer, which is critical to improving treatment outcomes and reducing preventable deaths.
Dr. Reindorf Amissah further emphasized the importance of decentralizing diagnostic services, stating that bringing such essential equipment closer to communities will help reduce delays in diagnosis and ensure timely referrals for appropriate care.
The Deputy Director-General also commended Jhpiego and partners for their sustained support, describing the collaboration as a valued relationship worth strengthening and expressed hope that the partnership would expand into other critical areas of healthcare delivery.
Country Director of Jhpiego, Dr. Pearl Nanka Bruce, expressed enthusiasm about the growing partnership with the Ghana Health Service, particularly in addressing the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases.
She noted that the initiative builds on earlier studies and interventions aimed at improving breast cancer care and reaffirmed Jhpiego’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s health priorities.
A representative of the Pfizer Foundation highlighted that the intervention aligns with the Foundation’s broader health programmes aimed at expanding access to essential medicines and strengthening health systems.
The representative expressed confidence that the donation would significantly benefit patients and improve outcomes, while also noting ongoing support for specialized care, including assistance for medical oncologists.
The ceremony featured key stakeholders, including officials from JHPIEGO, representatives from the Pfizer Foundation, Divisional, Regional, and District health directors, as well as the media fraternity.
The ultrasound machines and supplies are expected to be deployed to selected district hospitals, including facilities in Ledzokuku, Ga West, and Shai Osudoku, to improve breast imaging services and support early diagnosis and referral.
