The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has launched its 2026 Cervical Cancer Advocacy Campaign, aimed at increasing awareness, early detection and access to screening services for women.

The campaign was officially launched on Monday, 26 January 2026, and forms part of UGMC’s ongoing efforts to address cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Ghana.

As part of the initiative, UGMC’s Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, together with supporting departments, will offer cervical cancer screening and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing at a 50 percent discount.

The services will be available from 26 January to 28 February 2026 at the Women and Children’s Block of the medical centre.

Health professionals at UGMC noted that HPV, which is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally and is the primary cause of cervical cancer in women.

They explained that HPV infections often show no symptoms and that cervical cancer is frequently detected at an advanced stage in Ghana, when treatment options are limited.

UGMC also highlighted that there is currently no routine HPV test for men, meaning male partners may be unaware they carry the virus and could transmit it unintentionally.

The advocacy campaign encourages women to take advantage of the subsidised screening services to know their health status early, when cervical cancer is most preventable and treatable.

UGMC said the initiative is part of its broader commitment to preventive healthcare, public education and reducing the burden of cervical cancer through early detection and timely medical intervention.