EMPOWERHER HEALTH PROGRAM
Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in West Africa, despite being a largely preventable and treatable disease. The lack of widespread screening programs, limited access to HPV vaccination, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure continue to place millions of women at risk. As part of our commitment to addressing this critical public health challenge, I am honored to introduce the EmpowerHer Health Program, an initiative designed to transform cervical cancer prevention and care across the region, beginning with a pilot program in The Gambia.
The EmpowerHer Health Program is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that integrates HPV vaccination, early detection through screening, and timely treatment of pre-cancerous lesions. By establishing dedicated women’s health clinics, deploying mobile health units, and training healthcare professionals, we aim to bridge existing healthcare gaps and ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions. Through strategic partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and local healthcare providers, this program will not only strengthen The Gambia’s national cervical cancer screening efforts but also serve as a scalable model for expansion across West Africa.
Our vision is clear: to reduce cervical cancer incidence and mortality, empower communities with knowledge and resources, and build a resilient healthcare system capable of sustaining these efforts for generations to come. With this pilot program, we take a significant step toward achieving that goal. Together, we can create a future where no woman dies from a preventable disease.
The Uzima Foundation Womens Clinic -Banjul,The Gambia
To address the critical gaps in women's healthcare in The Gambia, EmpowerHer program proposes the establishment of a dedicated Women's Health Clinic in Banjul, serving as the central hub for a comprehensive cervical cancer prevention and treatment program. This initiative will integrate preventive, diagnostic, and treatment services while leveraging mobile healthcare outreach, telemedicine, and digital health infrastructure to ensure equitable access to life-saving interventions for women across the country.Recognizing the cultural and religious sensitivities that often limit women’s access to healthcare, the clinic will be staffed primarily by female physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, ensuring that women feel comfortable and empowered to seek medical care. The Uzima Women’s Health Clinic will not only address cervical cancer but will also provide comprehensive care for other prevalent women's health issues in The Gambia,treating these other issues will allow a wider population pool to screen for cervical cancer.
The Uzima Women’s Health Clinic will be fully equipped to provide cervical cancer screening, HPV vaccination, and treatment for pre-cancerous lesions . The clinic will operate with an Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system, streamlining patient data management, facilitating continuity of care, and enabling integration with a referral network for advanced treatment. Telehealth capabilities will allow remote consultations with specialists some based in US who will volunteer their time or be remunerated by the program, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for women in underserved regions