Rural health districts in Ghana, such as Akwapim South and Asuogyaman, do not have regular access to standard screening methods with Pap smear and HPV testing and instead rely on visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA). We sought to develop a collaborative, community-based approach in Asuogyaman and Akwapim South to facilitate training and cervical cancer screening events.

Methods: In January 2024, U.S. providers worked with members of Ghana Health Services (GHS) and Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) to conduct training and screening sessions. Providers with experience in VIA were connected with providers new to the method. A lecture on causes and prevention of cervical cancer was given, and training in the use of thermocoagulation for cervical precancer treatment was conducted. Two community health events were organized, and community members presented for evaluation with VIA. Additional services included STI, malaria, and typhoid testing and family planning.

Results: We screened 260 women: 102 in Akwapim South and 158 in Asuogyaman. We treated two women with thermal ablation for cervical precancer. We referred three women for suspected precancer that either appeared severe or was too extensive for thermocoagulation treatment.

By bringing together providers trained in VIA from Asuogyaman and PPAG, GHS providers in Akwapim were educated on these methods. They gained knowledge on prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Due to the identified need for more trained providers, two individuals from Akwapim are scheduled to receive in-depth VIA training. Seven providers received training in thermocoagulation.

Conclusions: We developed a successful collaborative approach based on team building and resource pooling to overcome care gaps in two rural health districts in Eastern Ghana. Various stakeholders have expressed interest in future collaboration using this model to further develop a sustainable, knowledge-sharing program for cervical cancer prevention and early detection.