Story by, Nsor Paul Mensah
The Fibroid Foundation Africa (FibFA) in collaboration with the University of Chicago has launched a training program to tackle the menace that affects the uterus, a reproductive organ of the female.
The program, being held in Accra from June 10th to June 13th, 2024, and dubbed "Fibroid Champion Training Program," aims to bring together the efforts of various stakeholders to tackle the disease and ensure continuous procreation in humans.
Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Korasare, Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Director of FibFA, Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Korasare, emphasized the importance of placing a premium on research to understand the science and origin of fibroids among women in Africa. She noted that this will inform policymakers to provide a holistic approach to reproductive health policy.
"It is crucial to pay some attention to fibroids by promoting research to understand the basic science and cellular origin of the disease, particularly among women of African descent. This will inform decision-making and provide a holistic approach to reproductive health policies," the Executive Director of FibFA said.
Additionally, she urged the gathering to be aggressive in the fight against fibroids by addressing the stigma and shame associated with the disease.
"We cannot remain silent while our dear mothers, sisters, aunties, and grandmothers, particularly those in underserved communities, suffer unnecessarily due to the stigma and shame associated with some of the symptoms of fibroids. As the world moves towards achieving universal health coverage, the issue of fibroids must be tackled with some aggression to erode the inequalities in seeking treatment," she added.
Consequently, Dr. Elizabeth Korasare noted that "Our main goal for this training session is to equip fibroid champions with the knowledge and skills necessary to raise awareness about fibroids in their communities and serve as vital resources, providing accurate information, dispelling myths, and guiding women towards timely and effective medical care."
Dr Marion Okoh-OwusuDelivering the keynote address on behalf of Director General of Ghana Health Service (GHS) to officially launched training, the Director of Family Health Division at GHS, Dr Marion Okoh-Owusu admonished the participants in the training program to put up all to enruch themselves with the requisite knowledge needed to mitigate the challenges posed by fibroid.
"I encourage you to engage fully in this training, absorb the wealth of knowledge being shared, and carry it forward with passion and purpose," Dr Okoh-Owusu admonished.
Again, Dr Okoh-Owusu charged the participants to work together by saying "let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and innovation that this initiative embodies. Together, we can create a future where every woman affected by uterine fibroids has access to the care, support, and information she needs. Together, we can ensure that no woman suffers in silence. Together, we can champion a cause that truly matters."
Mr. Samuel AnnanIn his address, the Chairman of the Greater Accra Coalition of Health, Mr. Samuel Annan, called for community support to deal with the stigmatization of women who suffer from this disease. He emphasized that the condition requires attention from all stakeholders and policymakers, including those who make decisions on health, to deal with it.
He suggested that the National Health Insurance Scheme should be made to provide support for women affected by fibroids and other reproductive-related diseases.
"The National Health Insurance can also be one of the avenues to provide financial support for vulnerable affected groups, and more community support is needed to avoid stigma and offer psychosocial care for these targeted communities alongside integrating other Women's Health. The Community of Practice as a policy shift initiative must be embraced by all and ensure we have a one-stop-shop diagnosis and treatment that can be employed to keep policies responsive, thereby attracting the needed financial support," he said.
The Fibroid Champion Training Program, which is taking place at the Institute of Local Government in Accra, will come to a close on June 13, 2024.