The Fruitful Woman Organisation, in collaboration with BME Diagnostics and Health Care and Christ Reigns Montessori School and other institutions, has organised a free health screening exercise to enable residents in the Anyaa community to know their health status and seek early treatment where necessary.
The exercise, held last Saturday, provided residents with free checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, malaria, eye conditions and body mass index (BMI).
The initiative also included breast cancer awareness, clinical breast examinations and free breast ultrasound scans, as part of activities to promote breast health during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event was chaired by the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Anyaa-Sowutuom Constituency, Emmanuel Tobbin.
Early detection
The Matron of the Fruitful Woman Organisation, Beatrice Safori, said the annual exercise was particularly important because some people discovered health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure only after participating in the screening.
She said the organisation chose October for the exercise to encourage women in the community to pay attention to their breast health and seek medical attention early.
Mrs Safori said the organisation’s main objective was to inspire and empower women to become fruitful in all spheres of life, adding that it organised three to four programmes each year to support women, young people and other members of the community.
She said the organisation also organised Christmas activities for residents, provided support packages for widows, held marriage seminars and engaged young people on responsible relationships and healthy choices.
She added that the organisation undertook hospital visitations and school evangelism programmes to encourage young people and women.
Breast screening
A Consultant Radiologist with BME Diagnostics and Health Care, Dr Albertina Ohenewa-Williams, said some women aged above 40 who participated had never undergone mammography, stressing the importance of making breast screening services accessible to women who might otherwise not seek them.
She said ultrasound screening could help identify breast masses that might not be detected through a clinical breast examination alone.
Community benefit
One of the beneficiaries, Elsie Oduro, said the exercise was her first breast screening.
She added that she also benefitted from eye, blood sugar, temperature and dental checks.
She described the initiative as a valuable opportunity, particularly for market women and other residents who might not regularly undertake routine health checks.
Ms Oduro said the free nature of the exercise encouraged more people in the community to take advantage of the services and know their health status.
