The Ghana Health Service has received ultrasound machines and essential medical supplies to boost breast cancer diagnosis and expand access to early detection services in selected district hospitals across Ghana.
The presentation took place at the headquarters of the Ghana Health Service in Accra as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s response to non-communicable diseases, particularly breast cancer, which remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related illness and death among women.
The intervention forms part of the BEAT Breast Cancer Project, being implemented by Jhpiego with support from the Pfizer Foundation. The project seeks to improve access to quality breast imaging services, especially at the district level where diagnostic capacity is often limited.
Beyond the ultrasound machines, the donation included essential items such as ultrasound gel, hand sanitisers, examination gloves, breast atlases, counselling flashcards, banners and examination beds to support screening, diagnosis and patient education.
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Service, the Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Caroline Reindorf Amissah, described the support as timely and transformative.
She noted that strengthening early detection remains one of the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes and reduce preventable deaths associated with breast cancer. According to her, making diagnostic services more accessible at the district level will help reduce delays in diagnosis and ensure patients receive timely referrals for appropriate care.
Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah also praised the longstanding collaboration between the Ghana Health Service, Jhpiego and the Pfizer Foundation, expressing optimism that the partnership will continue to grow and extend into other critical areas of healthcare delivery.
Country Director of Jhpiego, Pearl Nanka Bruce, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s health priorities, particularly in addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. She explained that the initiative builds on earlier interventions aimed at improving breast cancer care and access to quality diagnostic services.
A representative of the Pfizer Foundation noted that the donation aligns with the Foundation’s broader mission of strengthening health systems and expanding access to essential healthcare services. The representative expressed confidence that the intervention will significantly improve patient outcomes while complementing ongoing support for specialised cancer care.
The ultrasound machines and accompanying supplies are expected to be deployed to selected district hospitals, including facilities in Ledzokuku, Ga West and Shai Osudoku.
Health stakeholders say the intervention marks another important step in decentralising breast cancer care and bringing life-saving diagnostic services closer to communities.
As the fight against breast cancer continues, the message from health leaders remains clear: early detection saves lives, and strategic partnerships remain essential to building a stronger, more responsive health system for all.
