Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City, and 57 others organize health screening for residents of Abume

The Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City, along with 57 other Rotary, Rotaract, Lions, and Leo Clubs, recently organized a Joint Health Screening Project for the residents of Abume and Kpedzi in Akosombo, Eastern region.

This project aimed to provide health services to over 2,000 individuals in the community and positively impacted the lives of over 1,000 residents.

The theme for Rotary International, "Create Hope in the World," was truly exemplified through this project. The residents of Abume were shocked and excited by the overwhelming love and support they received from the Rotarians, Lions, Rotaractors, and Leos.

This joint project brought together 38 sister Rotary clubs, 11 Rotaract clubs, 7 Lions clubs, and 1 Leo club from various towns in the country, all united in creating hope for the people of Abume.

The participating clubs offered a wide range of health services during the screening exercise. These included screening for bilharzia, diabetes, eye and dental issues, blood pressure, deworming of children, mental health awareness and screening, and free NHIS registration for children and the elderly.

The Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Samira Bawumia, who is also a Rotarian, joined and fully participated in the health exercise on August 5th, 2023, in Abume.

The President of the Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City, Rotarian Henry Addo, expressed that the exercise was part of their commitment to ensuring a healthy society. He explained that Rotary is all about service to humanity, and they always strive to address the pressing needs of their communities.

The Rotary Club focuses on seven areas, including Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, Economic and Community Development, Maternal, and Child Health, Supporting the Environment, Basic Education and Literacy, Diseases Prevention and Treatment, and Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution. In this particular project, they achieved progress in the areas of Disease Prevention and Treatment and Maternal and Child Health.

Aside from providing immediate care, free NHIS registration was also a crucial component of the project. This registration allows beneficiaries of the screening exercise to access further healthcare at hospitals, ensuring that the work done during the project is sustainable.

The screening exercise revealed eye problems and bilharzia as the most prevalent conditions, and follow-ups will be conducted to ensure that individuals with special cases receive the necessary attention.

The prevalence of bilharzia cases in the community was attributed to the community’s proximity to Volta Lake, which exposes children and the elderly to polluted water.

The Rotary Club expressed their utmost appreciation to the District Governor, David Osei Amankwah Junior of Rotary District 9104, who attended and fully participated in the project. They also thanked the Asuogyaman District Director of Health, Rebecca Bantey, VRA Hospital, M-Pharma, Hashem Dental, and Spintex Medical Center for their valuable assistance in ensuring the success of the project.

During the event, Lion Daniel Akufo, a member of the Lions Club International and former DCE for the Shai Osudoku District, outlined several interventions undertaken by the Lions Club and encouraged young individuals to volunteer and join the clubs.

Lion Kofi Owusu Boateng, President of the Tema Greenwich Lions Club, led his club to Akosombo to contribute to the screening exercise by de-worming the kids.

He emphasized the importance of all service clubs uniting to undertake such noble charity work.

Timothy Adzogli, the Assemblyman for the ATL Electoral Area, expressed relief and gratitude for the intervention extended to the community. He recognized that the event brought healthcare to the doorsteps of the people and appealed to the clubs and other benevolent organizations to continue extending similar care to them.

Participating Clubs

The Joint Health Screening Project on August 5th, 2023, was a massive undertaking, and the following 58 Clubs participated.

Rotary Clubs:

Rotary Club of Akosombo-Dam City – Host Club, Rotary Club of Wa, Rotary Club of Accra Ridge, Rotary Club of Accra Trinity, Rotary Club of Tema-Community 25, Rotary Club of Accra North – Kaneshie, Rotary Club of Tamale, Rotary Club of Accra-Tesano, Rotary Club of Accra, Airport East, Rotary Club of Accra -Legon East, Rotary Club of Accra Legon, Rotary Club of, Accra Airport City, Rotary Club of Accra Sunrise, Rotary Club of Accra – South, Rotary Club of Accra Kanda, Rotary Club of Accra SpeakMasters and Rotary club of Accra Adjiriganor.

The rest are the Rotary Club of Koforidua New Juaben, Rotary Club of Accra-Labone, Rotary Club of Akuapim-Ridge, Rotary Club of Takoradi-Anaji, Rotary Club of Secondi-Takoradi, Rotary Club of Kumasi, Rotary Club of Ho, Rotary Club of Accra Dansoman, Rotary Club of Hohoe, Rotary Club of Accra Dzorwulu, Rotary Club of Accra La East, Rotary Club of Accra Ring Road Central, Rotary Club of Accra-Morning Tide, Rotary Club of Accra -Premier International, and Rotary Club of Accra-Spintex.

Rotaract Clubs:

Rotaract E-Club of One World, Rotaract Club of Kumasi 35. Rotaract Club of Accra East, Rotaract Club of Accra East Legon, Rotaract Club of Accra-Oxford Street, Rotaract Club of UPSA, Rotaract Club Lomé Racines, Rotaract Club of Weija, Rotaract Club of Accra – Labone, Rotaract Club of Regional Maritime University and Rotaract Club of University of Legon.

Lions Clubs:

Lions Club of Tema Community 25, Lions Club of Tema Greenwich, Accra Nyansapow Virtual Lions Club, Accra Golden Lions Club 48. Accra Ubuntu Lions Club, Tema Gentlewomen Lions Club, and Tema Harbour City Lions Club.

Leo Club:

Accra Ubuntu Leo Clubm.