mPharma set to launch new HPV DNA test kit

mPharma-Ghana is set to launch a new product, sensitive real-time PCR-based HPV DNA testing kits for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA diagnosis.

The event for industry players is slated to take place on the 8^th of March 2022.  The day coincides with the global commemoration of International Women’s Day, and mPharma will also provide an update on its Ten Thousand Women Initiative (TTWI), a campaign to offer free HPV DNA tests to women in Ghana and Nigeria. This initiative also seeks to educate women about the need to test for HPV periodically.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the new product, the Vice President of mPharma’s Diagnostic Business Unit, Johnnie Allotey, described cervical cancer as a disease that is of utmost concern, especially in Africa.

He said, “We believe that the global confrontation with COVID-19 has increased resources in molecular diagnostics – a feat championed by mPharma. And that its gradual recession should challenge us to fully redeploy these facilities into efficient use, especially in the diagnosis of other prevailing infectious diseases.”

“Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer amongst women. In Africa, it comes second to breast cancer,” he added.

Mr. Allotey further explained the importance of testing to promote an effective rollout of vaccines. He stated, “Onset precancerous or cancerous lesions are treatable; therefore, early detection amongst high-risk middle-aged women will inform effective treatment options. Furthermore, there exist potential vaccines that may offer long-term protection. Therefore, testing is necessary and could facilitate the effective rollout of these vaccines.”

On her part, the Chief Operations Officer of mPharma, Sophia Baah, encouraged women, especially those 25 years and above, to take advantage of the opportunity to test for early detection and treatment. According to her, “Early detection of cervical cancer is crucial in effective treatment and eventually saving lives. Therefore, it’s critical for all women above the age of 25 years to test and know their status for the right interventions to begin. So, I encourage them to visit our partner laboratories where testing is offered and get screened.. Their lives might depend on that single act of conviction”.