Accra: Homepack Medical Services and EXA Ventures, in collaboration with the Ho Municipal Health Directorate of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), have marked this year's World Malaria Day with a free health screening exercise for traders at the Ho Central Market.
According to Ghana News Agency, the outreach, held on Saturday, April 25, aimed at screening market women and other traders for malaria and other common health conditions to facilitate early detection and treatment. The exercise was conducted under the theme: 'Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must.'
The screening covered a range of health checks, including malaria testing, blood pressure checks, blood sugar screening, body mass index (BMI) assessment, counselling, and health education. Dr. Semanu Adoboe, Chief Executive Officer of Homepack Medical Services, emphasized that the exercise is part of the organization's ongoing commitment to reducing disease burdens and supporting preventive healthcare delivery across Ghana.
Dr. Adoboe highlighted that the initiative is one of several community outreach interventions undertaken by the organization in different parts of the country, targeting markets, schools, and orphanages. "This is not the first time we are doing this. We move from community to community to support the healthcare system by identifying disease conditions early and educating the public on how to protect their health," he stated.
While the exercise was primarily organized to mark World Malaria Day, Dr. Adoboe noted that participants were also screened for hypertension and diabetes due to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Ghana. He pointed out that many Ghanaians are living with such conditions unknowingly, often seeking medical help only when complications arise.
Dr. Adoboe explained, "That is why every opportunity we get to engage the public, we do not only test for malaria but also screen for blood pressure and blood sugar to promote early diagnosis and prevention." This outreach initiative is also seen as a way of giving back to the community of Ho, acknowledging the support received from the Asogli State Entrepreneurship Programme.
Mrs. Doris Adoboe, Chief Executive Officer of EXA Ventures, reiterated the organization's commitment to malaria prevention through public education and the production of mosquito repellent products. Since 2017, EXA Ventures has partnered with Homepack Medical Services and other enterprises to conduct regular malaria prevention campaigns across Ghanaian communities.
Mrs. Adoboe mentioned the measurable success of these initiatives, citing a five-year intervention at Porters Village in Dodowa, where only two malaria cases were recorded during the last World Mosquito Day screening. She emphasized the importance of strong partnerships among public institutions, private organizations, and community members in supporting malaria elimination efforts.
The Ho Municipal Director of Health Services, Madam Perfect Titiati, underscored the importance of the collaboration, describing malaria as a leading cause of outpatient attendance in the municipality and across the country. She emphasized the need for intensified awareness and advocacy for prevention and control on World Malaria Day.
Madam Titiati advised households to maintain clean surroundings, avoid stagnant water, sleep under insecticide-treated nets, and seek early treatment for fever. She cautioned against self-medication and encouraged individuals to visit health facilities for proper testing and diagnosis.
Beneficiaries of the exercise expressed their gratitude, noting that the outreach provided a rare opportunity to check their health status amidst demanding market schedules. They commended the organizers for bringing healthcare services to their doorstep and called for more regular screenings in the market.
World Malaria Day is observed globally on April 25 each year to raise awareness and promote action towards malaria prevention and elimination. According to the Ghana Health Service, malaria remains endemic in Ghana, with millions of cases recorded annually. However, advancements in science and innovation, including malaria vaccines and improved mosquito nets, have brought the goal of ending malaria within reach.