Over 300 Kayayei in Kumasi get free health screening

Rotary Club of Kumasi-Premier International has, as part of its humanitarian and charity obligations, conducted free health screening for over 300 Kayayei (head potters) and their children in the Central Business District of Kumasi. Beneficiaries were also given general medical advice on nutrition and well-being. These mothers and children were screened for malaria and sexually transmitted infections, including hepatitis. Professor Joslin Alexei Dogbe, Charter President, Rotary Club of Kumasi-Premier International, speaking to the Ghana News Agency, noted that the Club was targeting women living in the streets to find lasting solutions to their health problems and integrate them in sustainable vocations and trades. According to him, women were giving birth in the streets and producing generations of families in the streets, with many diseases and other health issues. The Club, he noted, was partnering with the Pediatric Society of Ghana and the HopeXchange Medical Center to collect data and have a profi le of these less privileged in the city. Prof. Dogbe said after the screening, mini clinics would be held which would serve as a continuum of the normal health screening. He mentioned that the Club, which was recently chartered, would strive to increase its membership to be able to undertake and expand the humanitarian activities Rotary had been embarking on. These may include peace promotion, fighting diseases, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, environmental protection among others. Ms. Linda Ahenkorah Fondjo, Service Project Chair, Rotary Club of Kumasi-Premier International, indicated that in instances where the screened kayayei required further health attention, they would be referred to the HopeXchange Medical Center. She advised the women to take charge of their health and cautioned them not to let the thoughts of not having much money hinder their willingness to seek medical attention. Source: Ghana News Agency