Visionary Norman Foundation, a non-governmental organization has embarked on a comprehensive health campaign on September 29, 2023, within the Ayawaso East District of the Greater Accra Region.
The initiative which took place at Ashaiman station, Nima in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana was aimed to tackled the distressing prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and Hepatitis B among reproductive-age individuals in Nima and neighboring communities under the banner of “Promoting Healthy Communities: Combating STIs, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis B”.
These services encompassed complimentary COVID-19 vaccinations, Hepatitis B vaccinations, Hepatitis B screenings, retro screenings, NHIS registration and renewal services, blood pressure assessments, blood glucose testing, reproductive health education, and access to contraceptive services.
Chief Seidu Hassan Fuseini, Chairman of the Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs, bestowed commendation upon this noteworthy initiative. He did so in recognition of the surging occurrences of Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and STIs. Chief Fuseini pledged unwavering support for the foundation’s endeavors and earnestly beseeched opinion leaders to rally behind such impactful initiatives.
Dr. Abena Yeboah, Director of the Ayawaso East Municipal Health Directorate, emphasized the campaign’s fundamental objective, stating, “Today, our mission revolves around raising awareness regarding STIs, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis B through medical screenings and health education. Ayawaso East, housing an estimated population of 54,117, boasts of a vibrant youth community, comprising approximately 50% of its residents. Concerning health, unsettling statistics from the District Health Information Management System revealed nearly 400 cases of STIs among our youth in 2022, posing a grave public health concern. In response, the Visionary Norman Foundation, in collaborative partnership with Nima Polyclinic and the Health Directorate, took on the mantle of responsibility to address this pressing issue.”
Mr.Abraham Norman Nortey (Founder of Visionary Norman Foundation)
Founder of the Visionary Norman Foundation, Mr. Abraham Norman Nortey, motivated all participants to serve as health advocates, community educators, and champions of positive transformation. He urged them to ensure that the impact of their collective efforts resonated far beyond the present moment, positively impacting countless lives.
Hon. Nasser Mahama Toure, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Visionary Norman Foundation for their unwavering support to the constituency’s residents. In his address, he underscored the importance of proactive healthcare measures, encouraging community members to wholeheartedly embrace health screenings to gain insight into their well-being. Hon. Toure particularly stressed the significance of young people’s participation in these screenings, emphasizing the importance of early detection and timely intervention.
Hon. Toure also exhorted individuals not to procrastinate seeking medical attention when unwell. He emphasized the necessity of promptly visiting healthcare facilities at the onset of health concerns, rather than permitting conditions to exacerbate, thus contributing to the creation of healthier and more resilient communities in Ayawaso East.
Given that Ghana grapples with a 1.8% HIV prevalence rate and a substantial 13% of individuals with undiagnosed HIV, the campaign’s thrust towards awareness is undeniably imperative. In 2022, self-reported STIs in Ayawaso were alarmingly prevalent at 6.0%. Furthermore, the widespread occurrence of Hepatitis B within Ghana’s general population served as a compelling motivator for the Visionary Norman Foundation to undertake this comprehensive health campaign, squarely addressing Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections.
The health campaign extended a multitude of essential services to participants residing in these beneficiary communities.