By Bertha Badu Agyei/ Harriet Kwakye
Accra, May 9, GNA – The Ghana Red Cross Society (GRCS) in collaboration with the Iran Clinic, has marked the World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day with a medical outreach and donations to two orphanages, in Accra.
They presented clothing and footwear to children at the Chosen Children’s centre at Darkuman and the Nima care Foundation, with support from LC Waikiki, a clothing brand.
Over 100 residents at Frafraha, a community at Adenta received free medical screening in malaria, blood pressure and sugar level and medications from the Iran Clinic, a representative of the Iranian Crescent, in Ghana.
The annual celebration, is observed on May 8, to honour the vision of Mr Henry Dunant, the Red Cross founder, to alleviate suffering and uphold the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality.
Mr Kwame Gyimah-Akwafo, President of the GRCS, who highlighted the significance of the day, said the founder was moved by the suffering of wounded soldiers at the battle of Solferino in 1859 and established the society to offer help.
In honour of their Founder, he observed that the donation to the orphanages and health screening was a way of reminding society of their vision and to bring smiles to the faces of the less privileged.
Mr Gyimah-Akwafo, underscored the importance of health education, prevention and care for all sectors of the society and called for stronger community engagement.
He noted that Preventive health was always better than curative and therefore urged communities to prioritize cleanliness, nutrition, and sanitation to reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
Dr Shahab Abdolahifar, Medical Director of the Iran Clinic, reiterated the Red Crescent’s commitment in line with the principles of humanity and universality, adding, “we provide care regardless of race, religion, or background because everyone deserves to live in good health.”
He advised the public to pay attention to both communicable and non-communicable diseases and stressed on the importance of hygiene, clean environments, healthy diets, and regular exercises.
Nii Kommey Akpor I, chief of Frafraha, lauded the GRCS for the health screening, describing it as timely, considering the high patronage of the community members.
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