Dorothy’s Hope Foundation brought together medical professionals, government health officials, diplomats, and diaspora leaders for its inaugural Health Is Wealth: A Global Women’s Health, Leadership and Impact Forum in Manhattan during United Nations General Assembly week.
The forum focused on advancing women’s health, strengthening cancer prevention, and expanding collaboration between Africa and its global diaspora.
Founded by breast cancer survivor Dorothy Amuah, the Ghanaian nonprofit organized the event around a central message: Awareness must lead to action.
“Awareness must become action,” said Amuah, founder and CEO of Dorothy’s Hope Foundation. “Surviving cancer changes how you see life.”
Discussions addressed breast cancer prevention, gynecological and reproductive cancers, healthcare innovation, access to care, and opportunities to build partnerships across borders.
The program featured remarks from Suzanne N. Mandong, a former UNFPA representative, and keynote addresses from Dr. Steven V. Melnik, chairman of United World Leaders, and Dr. Jatin P. Shah, a surgical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Panel participants included Dr. Lisa Abramson of Mount Sinai, Dr. Hari Priya Vemana of Prolong Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Khadija Owusu of the AKAYA Foundation, Koshie Mills of Heirs of Afrika, and Amuah.
Representatives from Ghana’s health and regulatory sectors also attended, including Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, director-general of the Ghana Health Service, and Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, acting CEO of Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority.
The foundation also highlighted Brushes of Strength, a fundraising initiative featuring artwork created by breast cancer survivors. Proceeds support mobile health screenings and patient assistance programs.
Through Health Is Wealth, Dorothy’s Hope Foundation aims to strengthen early detection, expand patient support, and encourage cooperation among healthcare professionals, policymakers, advocates, and diaspora leaders working to improve women’s health in Ghana and across Africa.
