Some 330 residents of Mafi Adidome and surrounding communities in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region have benefited from a one-day health screening exercise under the theme “My Health, My Priority.”
The free program was jointly organized by the Amazing Smile Foundation (ASF) based in Aveyime-Battor and the 13 Villages Foundation in the United States, with support from Togbe Banahene Adovor Dzodzegbe Agbenyo VII of the Teh Clan of Battor and Mamaga Asieku IV, Paramount Queen Mother of the Battor Traditional Area. This was the eighth in the series across Tongu State and the first held in Mafi Adidome, the district capital.
The Adidome Government Hospital collaborated in the initiative, deploying an 18-member team of doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and other health professionals to the old District Assembly Hall premises. Beneficiaries had their vital signs checked, including blood pressure, pulse, weight, height, oxygen circulation, and blood sugar. They also underwent eye, nose, and throat examinations, received counseling, and were educated by doctors, mental health nurses, and nutritionists. All services and medications were provided free of charge.
Seven medical doctors from the USA, Accra, and Adidome joined the team. In addition, 244 residents had their expired National Health Insurance cards renewed, while 54 new registrants were added to the NHIS database, all funded by the sponsors.
The Central Tongu District Director of Health Services, Mr. Baba Awuni, praised the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in recent times. He noted that hypertension and diabetes, among other non-communicable diseases, dominate outpatient records in the district and stressed that early detection and management are essential.
The Dufia of Mafi Adidome, Togbe Kaklaklolo Agyeman IV, expressed gratitude to the NGOs and the Ghana Health Service, hoping similar support would be extended to other communities. ASF CEO Ms. Millie Kafui Kumasenu described the exercise as heartwarming and pledged continued support to society. She encouraged youth, especially girls, to study hard, avoid drugs, and prevent teenage pregnancies.
Ms. Kumasenu thanked sponsors and medical teams, particularly Togbe Banahene Adovor Dzodzegbe Agbenyo VII, who has been a major sponsor for eight years, providing medical supplies and drugs. She acknowledged the high cost of such programs and appealed to individuals and institutions to support future initiatives.
Dr. Vincent Cobblah of Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, Dr. Sheila Apiiyah of the University of Ghana Medical Centre, and Dr. Yvonne Mawudor of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, together with their counterparts from Adidome Government Hospital, supported the medical team to successfully deliver the services.