The Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG) has held its Second Triennial Conference for the members and young aspiring lady doctors.
Dr. Mary Amoakoh-Coleman, the President of MWAG, noted that the association was formed with the goal of seeking members' welfare as well as the welfare of the public.
She stated that the association had strategically engaged the public, especially women and girls, to promote their well- being.
She mentioned that MWAG embarked on programmes including cervical cancer awareness and screening programme, the annual menstrual hygiene day, which came with education and distribution of free sanitary towels to vulnerable children and ladies across the country, medical outreaches in various communities, and breast cancer education and screening.
She added that members of MWAG worked in different capacities across the country, providing leadership and dedicated services, sometimes under dire circumstances, working alongside their male colleagues to ensure that quality health care was delivered to all Ghanaians.
Dr. Amoakoh-Coleman reiterated that the focus for this year's conference was on the health of women as the wealth of the nation and the exploration of how lady doctors could promote the realisation of the same, for themselves and for the nation.
"Approximately 68 per cent of Ghanaian women work in the informal sector of the economy, which is largely the base of our economy; this makes it essential for women to be in the best of health state so that they can play their roles," said noted.
She again stated that Ghanaian women unfortunately suffered many health conditions, including reproductive health conditions as well as non-communicable diseases, many of which were preventable when appropriate preventive measures are taken.
She said that adequate and healthy nutrition, healthy lifestyle practices including exercises, and regular health screening for conditions such as blood pressure checks, monthly breast examinations, and cervical cancer were examples of life-saving practices that could ensure healthy lives.
She added that women need constant education on these, as well as availability and affordability of the related services.
She also noted that lady doctors have their own share of health challenges ranging from physical to emotional and mental issues, expressing the belief that the conference has motivated, educated, and challenged members to do more for themselves.
She urged the members to work together and keep the vision alive, as the association had immense potential that they could unearth.
Dr. Patrick Kuma Aboakye, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), applauded MWAG for their immersed contributions and role in spearheading public health initiatives such as cervical cancer awareness, health screening, vaccination against certain diseases, and the promotion of menstrual hygiene through their public education.
He added that these initiatives have directly influenced the reduction of the mortality rate among women and improved the overall health of most people.
He said that their contributions to medical research, especially on gender and specific cultural ethics, have paved the way for solutions that have been used in addressing certain health issues.
He urged MWAG to work together and expand their advocacy to rural and lesser areas where health care services were scarce.
Dr. Zenator Agyeman-Rawlings, Member of Parliament (MP) for the Klottey Korle Constituency, commended them for their contributions towards the promotion of healthcare services in the constituency and encouraged them to continue with their work to improve healthcare services in the country.