by Kwaku Agyemang, HEED TV.
Koforidua (E/R), Mar 12 –The HEED health team led by doctors Ofosu Atta Amaning (physician at the Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana) and Adae Opoku Amoako (physician, Maryland, USA) conducted a health screening exercise on March 13, 2017 at the community center at Asokore, a nearby town of the Eastern Regional capital Koforidua. The aim of the screening was to detect hypertension (elevated high blood pressure) and diabetes (elevated sugar levels in the blood) in the targeted population. When residents arrived, they were seated, their weights and heights were measured, they would then go on to get their blood pressured and glucose checked. If there were any concerns, they were directed to one of the physicians for advice and possible follow up at the local clinic or hospital.
There were optometrists from the Koforidua Regional Hospital that performed eye screenings for residents as well. The HEED Foundation also donated medications and durable medical devices at the fair. Over 300 adult residents were screened at the event. Dr. Amaning who is also a pediatrician by training saw about a dozen children who came with their parents.
Speaking to HEED TV, Ms. Jennifer Siaw, a nurse from Kumasi who volunteers on the HEED health team summarized her experience as; “I never thought we could meet our target population, but the outcome was surprisingly amazing. Residents were there on time and screening was started as promised. Residents cooperation was great, making our work easier.”
On the Education and Entrepreneurship front, the foundation had a table set up where students and people who were interested in HEED programs got information and talked to HEED personnel about the areas they needed support. The HEED Foundation hopes to hold this exercise once or twice a year around the country.