Over 1,400 women and children in the Damongo Municipality of the Savannah Region have benefitted from a free health screening exercise organized by the Naada Jinapor Foundation, a non-governmental organization.
The exercise was part of the foundation’s corporate social responsibility to give back to society, specifically to residents of the Damongo Constituency. Over 500 high-nutrition cereals were distributed to mothers with infants and toddlers who participated in the screening exercise.
Patrons were screened for diabetes, sugar levels, blood pressure, eye and dental diseases, malaria, hepatitis B, breast cancer, HIV, and cholesterol. Simultaneously, beneficiaries were given free medication, while those identified with complications were referred to appropriate health facilities for further diagnosis and care.
Mrs Naada Jinapor, founder of the Naada Jinapor Foundation, indicated in an interview that the screening was targeted at promoting a healthy Damongo, especially for women and children, as a way of giving back to society through her organization and the office of the Member of Parliament for the Damongo Constituency, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor.
She stated that the exercise is part of the organization’s corporate social responsibility, implemented years ago, and is meant to reach out to both young and old living not only in the Damongo Constituency but also in deprived communities with little or no access to quality healthcare.
Mrs Jinapor disclosed that the health screening exercise in the Damongo Municipality had recorded the biggest turnout so far but assured everyone present that there was enough medication for all who participated.
Mrs Naada Jinapor also appealed to the people of the Damongo Constituency to retain Samuel Abu Jinapor as their Member of Parliament in the December polls, emphasizing that he has their best interests at heart and will do everything in his capacity to bring proper healthcare and necessary development to their doorstep.
Alhaji Kantamah Abdul Ganniu, the medical officer in charge of the Damongo Town Clinic, who was part of the medical team for the exercise, advised the people of the Savannah Region to undergo regular medical check-ups to be aware of their health status.
He noted that early detection is the safest way to address complicated health issues, especially since most beneficiaries were unaware of their health status. He expressed hope that the screening exercise would help reduce the number of sudden deaths associated with these common diseases.
Alhaji Ganniu further mentioned that many Ghanaians have one or more medical conditions but lack the resources and time for routine check-ups, adding that the exercise would enable them to know their health status and seek early treatment.
A resident of Damongo, Mr Inusah Bukari, expressed his appreciation to the Naada Jinapor Foundation for bringing healthcare delivery to the doorstep of residents and hoped that the exercise would be extended to other deprived areas. He also stressed the importance of other organizations replicating such gestures.
The Naada Jinapor Foundation has conducted similar health screening exercises within the Damongo Constituency and beyond, with serious cases referred to facilities across Ghana, covering the full cost.
By: Zion Abdul Rauf/newsalertgh.com
