AmaCares hosts successful health screening for kayayees, donates to Ridge Hospital

AmaCares, a non-governmental organization dedicated to combating various forms of sexual abuse, especially among children, successfully conducted a health screening exercise at the Madina Market on October 22.

The event aimed to provide essential healthcare services to the kayayees (head porters) in the area and was marked by a strong turnout and impactful services.

A dedicated team of 13 nurses and 2 doctors came together to deliver comprehensive health checks to approximately 350 kayayees, including men, women, and children.

The screening process included registration, vital sign assessments such as BMI calculations, blood pressure checks, and blood sugar tests. Participants also benefited from lab services, and women received breast examinations, alongside valuable health advice from the medical professionals present.

A notable aspect of the event was the registration of about 100 kayayees for the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), ensuring that they can access medical services in the future.

In addition to the health screening, AmaCares made significant contributions to the healthcare community. On October 23, the organization donated essential medications to the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), reinforcing its commitment to improving health outcomes in the region.

Furthering its outreach, AmaCares organized educational workshops for local schools. On October 23, they educated 250 students from Abossey Okai Basic School, followed by a session for another 250 students from Bethel Children’s School and St. George Memorial School on October 24.

These workshops included valuable insights from personnel from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), doctors, and psychologists, highlighting the organization’s focus on empowering the younger generation with knowledge and resources.

The responses from the kayayees were overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the free medications and the convenience of having health services brought directly to their community.

"AmaCares has brought health screening to our doorsteps, and receiving medications for free has made a huge difference for us," shared one participant, highlighting the impact of the initiative.

Reflecting on the success of the events, organizers noted the importance of such community-focused health interventions. "It was well executed, and we wish to provide health screening services to the kayayees every year if we can secure the necessary resources," said Benedicta Ama Batcho, Founder and Chief Volunteer of AmaCares.

This health screening exercise, along with the educational workshops and donations, not only addressed immediate healthcare needs but also fostered a sense of community support and awareness about health issues among the kayayees and students.

As AmaCares continues its vital work, the success of these initiatives serves as a testament to the positive impact of collaborative efforts in promoting health and well-being in underserved populations.