Yeji-nchamba: Over 430 residents of Yeji-Nchamba and neighboring communities in the Bono East Region have benefitted from the Telecel Ghana Foundation's HealthFest initiative. This health outreach was held at the Nchamba Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) premises.
According to Ghana Web, the comprehensive health outreach provided free medical screening, including blood pressure checks, malaria testing, hepatitis B screening, typhoid assessments, and general health evaluations. HealthFest aims to promote early detection and preventive care, especially in underserved communities where healthcare access is limited due to distance, cost, and infrastructure constraints.
For some residents, this event marked their first health screening in years. Mallam Nuru Yahaya, a resident of Yeji-Nchamba, expressed gratitude for the initiative, stating that it brought much-needed relief to the community. He noted the challenges many face in traveling long distances to access quality healthcare, highlighting the significance of the initiative.
In communities like Yeji-Nchamba, accessing quality healthcare often involves traveling considerable distances, incurring transport costs that deter regular check-ups. HealthFest addresses these barriers by providing essential services directly within the community, thus facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.
Suzana Akudugu, the officer-in-charge at the Nchamba CHPS Compound, emphasized the initiative's positive impact on primary healthcare services in the area. She noted that many residents would otherwise forgo routine check-ups for months, but the Telecel Foundation's efforts have made a substantial difference.
HealthFest is part of the Foundation's Connected Health pillar, focusing on expanding healthcare access, promoting preventive care, and enhancing enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). During the outreach, 359 residents registered, renewed, or replaced their NHIS cards on-site, removing significant barriers to consistent healthcare access in rural areas. This immediate registration process ensured that those with health concerns could access follow-up care without delays.
Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, underscored the importance of equitable healthcare access. She stated that access to healthcare should not be determined by location, and through HealthFest, essential medical services are delivered directly to communities, empowering residents to detect health issues early and take control of their wellbeing.
The Foundation's sustainable, community-focused interventions continue to enhance healthcare outcomes across Ghana, particularly in areas where residents are vulnerable to preventable diseases and untreated chronic conditions. Through initiatives like HealthFest, Telecel Ghana Foundation extends quality healthcare to remote communities, empowering residents to prioritize their health and wellbeing.