The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, has thrown his full support behind the World Health Organization’s (WHO) renewed efforts to tackle public health threats such as lead poisoning and cervical cancer, describing the organization’s work as vital to the wellbeing of Ghanaians.

Choudhury made the remarks during his first official visit to WHO Ghana since assuming office, where he engaged the country team in discussions centered on deepening collaboration, improving efficiency, and maximizing the impact of joint UN health interventions across the country.

The visit was marked by an atmosphere of enthusiasm and renewed commitment, as WHO staff shared updates on ongoing health campaigns aimed at protecting vulnerable populations—particularly children and women—from preventable health risks.

Dr. Fiona Braka, WHO Ghana’s Representative, led the discussions and provided an overview of current initiatives under implementation, including the nationwide Lead Awareness Week 2025 campaign.

The campaign, conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and other agencies, seeks to draw attention to the growing threat of lead exposure in homes, schools, and communities.

According to Dr. Braka, lead exposure remains a “silent poison” that continues to harm Ghanaian children and pregnant women.

“No level of lead exposure is safe,” she emphasized, calling on policymakers, industries, and the general public to act decisively to eliminate lead from paints, water sources, and consumer goods.

She underscored that lead poisoning is not only a health hazard but also a development issue, with long-term consequences for education, productivity, and national progress.

“Everyone, especially every child, deserves a future free from the lifelong harm of lead exposure,” Dr. Braka said during the commemoration of Lead Awareness Week.

The WHO Ghana team also used the engagement to highlight the progress and next steps in their Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive, part of the global campaign to eliminate cervical cancer.

Although the mass vaccination campaign has officially ended, Dr. Braka reaffirmed that the mission to eliminate cervical cancer continues, stressing that it requires ongoing education, screening, and community support.

To sustain public awareness, WHO Ghana has partnered with local media outlets nationwide to amplify messages about HPV vaccination, cancer prevention, and general health education.

The organization’s media collaboration, Dr. Braka noted, has been instrumental in breaking down myths and encouraging parents to protect their daughters against cervical cancer.

Choudhury, impressed by the range of WHO’s interventions, commended the team for its dedication and affirmed the United Nations’ unwavering commitment to achieving universal health coverage in Ghana.

He emphasized that the UN’s collaboration with WHO and the Ministry of Health would continue to be central to advancing the “Health for All” agenda.

The visit concluded with an interactive session where WHO staff briefed the Resident Coordinator on upcoming health programs and strategies to strengthen community engagement.