Obed Donkor
8 Apr 2024
Ghana West Africa Medical Mission, in collaboration with Dada Foundation-Ghana with support from Wisconsin International University College-Ghana (WIUC), Kumasi Campus, embarked on a 3-day health screening project
Like many rural areas across Ghana, Essuowin faces its share of healthcare challenges. Limited access to medical facilities, coupled with economic constraints, often leaves the community vulnerable to preventable diseases and untreated ailments. However, Ghana West Africa Medical Mission, in collaboration with Dada Foundation-Ghana with support from Wisconsin International University College-Ghana (WIUC), Kumasi Campus, embarked on a 3-day health screening project from the 3rd to the 5th of June 2024 in Essuowin and surrounding villages in the Ashanti Region.
The health screening project kicked off with a colourful opening ceremony at the new maternity block of the health centre, a generous gift from the village’s esteemed Chief, Nana Akyena Kwagyan Nuama V, whose vision for improved community health had now come to fruition. Present at the ceremony were the Ghana West African Medical Mission (GWAMM) team, Dada Foundation-Ghana, Students and Faculty representatives from the Wisconsin International University College-Ghana (Kumasi Campus), staff of the health centre, and the beautiful people of Essuowin.
Right after the opening ceremony, the air was thick with anticipation. The health screening began in earnest. 8 members of GWAMM, 3 Ghanaian Doctors, 8 student nurses, 1 Clinical Instructor and the Dada Foundation team swiftly moved into action, setting up stations and welcoming the first wave of villagers eager to receive medical attention.
The second day saw the health centre buzzing with activity. The 8 student nurses from WIUC-Ghana, Kumasi Campus, donned their branded T-shirts with pride, ready to dive into hands-on learning experiences. Dr. Lyle Wadsworth, from the GWAMM team, a seasoned medical professional with over 40 years of experience from the USA, engaged the student nurses in a variety of practical training sessions. Dr. Wadsworth’s expertise and patient teaching methods turned the health centre into a dynamic learning environment. Rev Dr Dennis Littleton, President of GWAMM, also conducted devotion at the beginning of each day’s activities and also ministered to the spiritual needs of patients as they came through the health screening.
Patients of all ages streamed into the centre, where they received screenings for common ailments, severe health conditions, and health education. The students assisted in taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This real-life exposure was invaluable, equipping the young nurses with skills and confidence that no classroom could provide. Health education sessions were a crucial part of the day's activities. The medical team and volunteers conducted workshops on menstrual hygiene, teaching young girls and women about proper practices and the importance of maintaining menstrual health. Additionally, there were sessions on general health maintenance, covering topics such as balanced diets, regular exercise, and the prevention of common diseases. These educational initiatives aimed to empower the community with knowledge that would enable them to lead healthier lives long after the project concluded.
As the third day dawned, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment. The health screening continued seamlessly, with the medical team working tirelessly to ensure every villager received the needed care. The collaboration between the Ghana West African Medical Mission and the Dada Foundation-Ghana, led by Mr. Jacob Fynn (Acting Executive Director), was a testament to meticulous planning and flawless execution. Over 900 patients were seen during the entire 3-day exercise.
Our team inspected new borehole projects in the area adding to the over 13 boreholes in the Ashanti Region.