Bolgatanga: Mr Nicholas Nambirigya Azebire, an award-winning Dreamz FM journalist, has organised a free health screening for Yorogo residents in the Bolgatanga Municipality to mark his 34th birthday. The outreach provided essential health services, including blood pressure checks and Hepatitis B screening, alongside counselling and health education.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Azebire, born on March 22, 1992, partnered with health professionals from Unique Mobile Health Care, who volunteered their services to support the initiative aimed at improving community health and well-being. The exercise marked a departure from his usual annual blood donation, through which he supports the Upper East Regional Hospital blood bank.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of the exercise at Yorogo, a community he hails from, Mr Azebire expressed fulfilment in using his birthday to positively impact lives. 'This is my ideal birthday celebration. While many people may choose to celebrate with festivities, I find it more fulfilling to give others the opportunity to know their health status and receive the needed support,' he said. He expressed hope of sustaining the initiative and expanding it in the future to reach more communities.
Health officials who participated in the exercise raised concerns about the high prevalence of high blood pressure among participants. Mr Charles Dagvohit, a Health Officer at the Martyrs of Uganda Health Centre, Sirigu, and a member of Unique Mobile Health Care, noted that hypertension remained a major health concern. He urged residents to adopt healthier lifestyles by reducing the intake of salt, oil, and fresh meat, and engaging in regular mild exercise.
Ms Rosina Ajongvio, another health practitioner with Unique Mobile Health Care, cautioned persons living with hypertension against self-medication, particularly the use of over-the-counter drugs without professional advice. She encouraged regular visits to health facilities for monitoring and proper management to prevent complications.
Residents who benefited from the exercise lauded the journalist for the gesture, describing it as impactful in promoting health awareness and early detection of diseases. Mr Edward Atia, one of the beneficiaries, commended Mr Azebire for the thoughtful initiative, describing it as a timely and life-saving intervention for the community. He noted that the exercise had enabled them to know their health status and take necessary steps to prevent serious conditions.