Takoradi: The Aroma Universal Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has conducted a comprehensive health screening event focusing on breast and prostate cancer awareness for over 2,000 residents in Takoradi. The initiative, which also included general health screenings, was carried out in collaboration with medical experts who provided diagnoses and treatments for conditions such as hypertension, high blood pressure, and elevated sugar levels. Participants were also offered free medication and snacks as part of the program.
According to Ghana News Agency, the annual health screening exercise has been a part of the Aroma Universal Foundation's service to the community for the past eight years. Sponsored by North Chemists and Tobinco Pharmacy, with additional support from First Samuel Supermarket and Son Supermarket, the initiative aims to bring healthcare delivery closer to residents and raise awareness about critical health conditions.
Madam Monica Dede Odonkor, the Executive Director of the Aroma Universal Foundation, emphasized the importance of the event, noting that many residents were unknowingly living with serious health conditions. "It is against this backdrop that the management of the Foundation decided to roll out a comprehensive health care awareness specifically in breast and prostate cancer as well as general health screening to bring health care delivery to the doorsteps of the people and diagnose them," she stated.
The Foundation has also focused on addressing neo-natal jaundice, having intervened at the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital to save children under one month old from this condition. Madam Dede Odonkor highlighted the scarcity of drugs for neo-natal jaundice and called on oil-producing companies in the Western Region to assist in acquiring a photo-therapy machine crucial for treating the disease.
Dr. Simon Osei-Frimpong, Medical Director at the Kwesimintsim Government Hospital, noted the increasing prevalence of breast cancer, hypertension, and diabetes in Africa. He stressed the importance of early detection and regular screenings, scans, and mammograms to combat these conditions. Dr. Osei-Frimpong also pointed out that breast cancer affects men, women, and children, and emphasized ongoing awareness efforts by public health units.
Pastor David Arku, Board Chairman of Aroma Universal Foundation, highlighted the Foundation's achievements, including financing surgical operations for vulnerable individuals and providing scholarships for needy but brilliant students. He also mentioned ongoing support for orphans and widows as part of their mission for a holistic society.
Nana Ayeribi Acquah Kofi III, Chief of Gomoa Nkran and mother of the Executive Director, appealed to the government to financially support NGOs to enable more frequent health screenings. She suggested conducting the exercise thrice a year to enhance disease treatment efforts.