Healthcare for the Forgotten: Dr. Delasy Gbekor and Twelve in Twelve LBG Reach Gambaga’s Witches Camp

In a landmark outreach, Twelve in Twelve LBG, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing healthcare support to underserved communities in Ghana, made a significant impact at the alleged witches camp in Gambaga. Over the past 18 months, Twelve in Twelve has completed medical outreach programs across the 16 regions of Ghana, and this latest initiative stands as a highlight of their ongoing mission to improve access to essential healthcare in rural and marginalized communities.

The Gambaga outreach, held in the North East Region of Ghana, specifically targeted the 118-member community of the alleged witches camp, which is home to 84 elderly women, 33 children, and one adult male. These residents, many of whom face social ostracism due to accusations of witchcraft, rarely receive the medical care they need. Thanks to the efforts of Twelve in Twelve LBG, that has now changed.

Comprehensive Health Screenings

At the outreach event, healthcare professionals focused on screening the elderly women and adult male for several common but potentially serious conditions, including hepatitis B, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and malnutrition. Many of the elderly residents had long-standing health issues that had gone untreated due to their isolation from mainstream healthcare services.

The screenings revealed cases of high blood pressure and high blood sugar, conditions that, without intervention, could lead to life-threatening complications. Thanks to Twelve in Twelve, these individuals are now on a path to managing their conditions. In addition to medical care, the team also treated skin diseases and addressed eye, ear, nose, and throat conditions, improving the overall quality of life for these vulnerable individuals.

The outreach extended beyond the elderly, with special attention given to the 33 children living in the camp. Medical teams screened the children for skin diseases and ENT conditions, which are common in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. The screening process also identified signs of malnutrition among some of the children, allowing the team to provide immediate nutritional support.

Beyond Medical Care: Meeting Basic Needs

In addition to providing healthcare, Twelve in Twelve LBG made sure that the residents of the camp received essential supplies. The team distributed clothes and food to all the community members, recognizing that healthcare goes hand-in-hand with ensuring access to basic needs. The gifts were a source of immense relief for many in the camp, some of whom had not received external support in months.

Impact on the Gambaga Community

The residents of the Gambaga camp were overwhelmingly grateful for the efforts of Twelve in Twelve. For many, this was their first time receiving professional medical attention, and the relief on their faces was evident. The organization’s visit not only brought them critical healthcare services but also a sense of dignity and hope. The elderly women, in particular, were relieved to have their health concerns addressed, while the children benefited from immediate care for conditions that, if left untreated, could worsen over time.

Twelve in Twelve’s approach to care goes beyond just treating symptoms. By educating the community on managing chronic conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, they are empowering these individuals to take control of their health. This outreach marked a pivotal moment for the Gambaga camp residents, who have historically been overlooked by healthcare systems.

What’s Next for Twelve in Twelve?

Having successfully completed the outreach at Gambaga, Twelve in Twelve LBG is already planning its next initiatives. The organization will continue its monthly outreach programs in other parts of the Northern and North East regions of Ghana, as they strive to cover even more ground and help more underserved communities.

The Gambaga outreach stands as a testament to what can be achieved when dedicated individuals and organizations work together to address pressing healthcare needs. As Twelve in Twelve looks ahead to its future outreach programs, the organization remains committed to its mission of ensuring that healthcare, a basic human right, is accessible to all, especially those in remote and marginalized communities.

Supporting the Cause

Twelve in Twelve LBG relies on the support of donors, volunteers, and the broader community to continue its work. Anyone interested in contributing to this life-saving mission can offer support through donations of medical supplies, food, clothing, or monetary contributions. Healthcare professionals are also encouraged to join future outreach programs to lend their expertise.

With each outreach, Twelve in Twelve is making a profound difference, bringing healthcare and hope to the farthest reaches of Ghana. Their work at Gambaga is a shining example of the power of compassion and commitment in transforming lives.