Regional and executive meetings
The MWAG Executive continues to plan and execute activities as well as organize Continuous Professional Development for members. A virtual Emergency meeting was held on the 31st of August to deliberate on Constitutional review.
Menstrual Hygiene Day: In May 2023, MWAG partnered with Lexta- Ghana, producers of Yazz sanitary pads to give out free pads to girls as well as menstrual hygiene education. Members of the Greater Accra, Eastern, Brong Ahafo and Northern Regions of Ghana engaged in very interactive sessions with students across various schools in their regions. Sessions centred on puberty, the menstrual cycle and the changes in adolescent boys and girls. Pupils were reminded of how to practice menstrual hygiene and the benefits of same. The pupils were taught which materials were appropriate for menstruation, encouraged to change sanitary pads at least three times a day, advised to bathe at least twice a day and dispose of used pads hygienically. The boys were entreated to support the girls during their menstrual periods.
MWAG Recruitment Drive:
National Coordinator of yMWIA of MWAG Dr Oum-Kalsoum Z Adam, under 40’s rep for Greater Accra Dr Denise Eke-Chuku, and Deputy Secretary of Greater Accra Dr Queenster Thompson met the newly employed lady House officers of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital at their orientation on 17th May 2023. A general overview of MWAG, the benefits of joining the association, and the available mentorship programs were discussed. Details of the house officers were taken to be added on platforms available as well as for registration to be full members. In attendance were about 32 lady doctors. yMWIA executives also met with female medical students at the Tamale Teaching Hospital on the 27th of July. They introduced MWAG to the students and discussed student challenges.
International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS) Ghana Chapter Launch
MWAG was represented at a virtual meeting on 25th July 2023 to launch the Ghana Chapter of IPVS. The theme was “United efforts towards the elimination of HPV-Related Diseases: Ghana’s journey” A brief goodwill message was presented on behalf of members. MWAG will collaborate with the Society to address the burden of cervical cancer in Ghana.
Recognition of Members
MWAG Northern Regional Chairperson, Dr Hawa Malechi, an obstetrician/gynaecologist, was adjudged the “Outstanding Female Doctor of the Year,” at the Ghana Women’s Award in June 2023. She also received from the President of the Republic of Ghana, the Presidential Honor for Distinguished Service. Dr Hawa Malechi received yet another award “Youth Achiever in Health” from the National Youth Authority in July 2023.
Bereavement
MWAG announced the demise of two young lady doctors. May their souls rest in peace.
Dr Richardar N A Taylor Dawson
National Coordinator, MWAG
Fig 1. Menstrual Hygiene Day in Accra on 29th May, 2023.
fig 2. Dr Hawa Malechi