Photos: 69 Presbyterian Ministers Wives Trained By Breast Care International

Following the successful outcome of the first Community Breast Health Promoters workshop (CBHP) on May 16, 2014 in Kumasi where 69 Presbyterian Ministers Wives were trained by Breast Care International (BCI) in conjunction with the Peace and Love Hospitals (PLH), the Presbyterian Ministers Wives Association (PMWA) is organizing another workshop in Accra on Monday June 30, 2014 at the Head Office of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana. The 50 participants for this second workshop are selected from the Ga, Volta, Western, and Central Presbyteries. The series of CBHP workshops is made possible through a strong collaboration between BCI, PMWA, Peace and Love Hospitals, and Inter-Commercial Impex Limited with the purpose of training women to acquire basic breast health knowledge in order to act as voluntary promoters who would engage their local congregations and communities by encouraging appropriate-aged women to seek breast screening by trained health care professionals. The curriculum for this workshop is similar to the previous one where the epidemiology and risk factors of breast cancer, basic anatomy and physiology of the breast, pathology of breast cancer, principles and practice of breast cancer awareness creation, and how to refer women with breast problems to appropriate health institutions are discussed. In addition, the participants will have the opportunity to listen to testimonies from breast cancer survivors who would share their stories highlighting the importance of early detection and prompt action. Upon successful completion of the workshop, the participants would be able to discuss breast health issues with members in their congregations and communities, organize breast health education and clinical breast examination programs (with the involvement of resource persons) with the aim of improving community awareness of breast health screening and educational resources. Commenting on the increasing rate at which breast cancer and breast-related diseases are affecting women in Ghana, Mrs. Rosekel Omenyo, President of the Presbyterian Minister�s Wives Association said that it is important for every woman to receive appropriate information and knowledge on breast health issues in order to take prompt action towards early cancer detection. This will help to reduce the rate at which women are dying in the country from breast cancer. According to Mrs. Omenyo, it is for this reason that the PMWA has taken the lead in making sure that all the Presbyteries are trained so that the participants can help their communities to achieve the optimum health. She hinted that planning for a third workshop in the Koforidua area is in progress. Nicola Manning, CEO of Inter-Commercial Impex Limited (ICIL), the company behind Forever Easy and Yofi feminine pads, who has been the major sponsor for most of BCI�s activities says: �Once again, we are delighted to be supporting and sponsoring BCI�s valuable work in educating and thereby empowering women in female health issues. Every wife, sister, mother and aunt deserves our love and care and it is only by reaching out to communities in this way to enhance and improve awareness of breast care, that we can truly make a difference to our society. God bless all involved�. On her part, Hon. Rahael Apoh Poku Deputy minister for Women, Gender & Social Protection observed that since mortality from breast cancer is high in Ghana because women waste too much time going to other places to seek help other than the hospitals, this workshop will help dispel the myths and misconceptions surrounding the disease promoting early presentation. Therefore, this workshop has become a powerful example of the essential lifesaving activity that simply could not easily happen without active collaboration among the various institutions towards bringing hope, health, and empowerment to communities by intensifying breast health awareness and improving the quality of life of women at risk with breast cancer. Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of BCI said that since BCI�s vision is to promote early detection of breast cancer and prompt action in local communities, BCI will continue to partner with likeminded organizations to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to individuals and organizations so that together we can make a difference in peoples lives. Dr. Wiafe also appreciated the role of both print and electronic Media for joining hands in the fight against breast cancer in Ghana. BCI acknowledges the assistance from Peace and Love Hospitals, Inter-commercial Impex Limited, Professor Seth Wiafe, who�s a resource person, and the organizers for supporting this Workshop.