29/01/2026
KORLE BU TEACHING HOSPITAL TO ROLLOUT IVF SERVICES
The Chief Executive of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Dr. Yakubu Seidu Adam, has announced the introduction of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services at the hospital’s Reproductive Health Unit of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.
Dr. Adam described the introduction of IVF services as a major milestone in the hospital’s broader reproductive health agenda, noting that it complements ongoing efforts to strengthen women’s health services, including cervical cancer prevention, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations across the country.
He made the announcement at the launch of the 2026 Cervical Cancer Screening and Awareness Campaign, held at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Conference Room of the hospital. Dr. Adam disclosed that several attempts had been made over the years to establish IVF services at KBTH and expressed optimism that these efforts have finally materialised. He therefore called for teamwork and collective commitment to ensure the successful rollout and sustainability of the service.
In his remarks, Professor Kweku Asah-Opoku, Head of Reproductive Health at KBTH, underscored the urgent need to intensify education, screening, and vaccination to significantly reduce cervical cancer-related deaths in Ghana.
The Coordinator of the Programme, Rev. Rose Eduful, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, highlighted the hospital’s unwavering commitment to cervical cancer prevention, stressing that early detection remains one of the most effective tools for saving women’s lives.
Delivering a brief address, the Director of External Affairs at Telecel Foundation Ghana, Mr. Komla Buami, reaffirmed the Foundation’s support for cervical cancer prevention initiatives. He explained that the partnership extends beyond publicity, noting that the MahamaCares initiative has donated colposcopy machines to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi-Wiawso to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved communities.
Mr. Buami further announced that Telecel Foundation Ghana has pledged to cover the cost of all medical consumables for the next two years—an intervention expected to provide free cervical cancer screening for at least 10,000 women, thereby eliminating financial barriers to early detection.
The Chairperson for the programme, Professor Samuel Oppong, expressed pride in the impact the campaign has made over the years. He revealed that approximately 3,000 cervical cancer cases are recorded annually in Ghana, with over 50 percent resulting in death, and stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to protect women’s lives through prevention and education.
In a technical presentation, Professor Kweku Asah-Opoku focused on Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, explaining that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally, with about 95 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries, despite being preventable. He noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends a single-dose HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years, which can prevent up to 90 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Addressing common misconceptions, Dr. James Neequaye debunked myths surrounding HPV vaccination, including claims linking it to infertility, promiscuity, microchips, or herbal alternatives. He emphasized that HPV vaccination is scientifically proven, safe, and lifesaving.
The event ended on a hopeful note as the Chief Executive, departmental heads, nurses, administrative staff, and representatives of Telecel Foundation Ghana joined together in cheering for a healthier and brighter future for women.
