By Samira Larbie, GNA
Accra, March 25, GNA – About 250 residents of Jamestown in Accra have benefited from a community health outreach and empowerment programme organised to mark this year’s International Women’s Day.
The initiative was led by the International Child Development Programme (ICDP) Ghana in partnership with the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan and the Queen for Youth and Children of the Ga State, Naa Awo Naa Ayele Nobaatse.
It focused on promoting gender equality, improving access to healthcare and strengthening support systems for women and children.
The event, held under the theme “Give to Gain – Sharing Knowledge, Skills and Well‑being Nuggets to Create Lasting Change in Women, Men and Children,” brought together community members, health professionals and advocates.
Ms Joyce Larnyo, Country Director of ICDP Ghana, said the outreach formed part of the organisation’s commitment to improving child development, parenting support and maternal health.
She explained that the programme featured specialised health screenings using mobile diagnostic technology, including ultrasound services, with participants given reports for further medical attention.
Screenings covered both men and women and targeted conditions such as prostate problems, breast abnormalities and other health concerns that often went undetected.
Mrs Dorothy Tackie, President of the Zonta Club of Accra Metropolitan, urged parents to prioritise the upbringing and education of their children.
She encouraged them to invest time and resources in their children’s development to help prevent teenage pregnancy and promote holistic growth, highlighting the importance of Ghana’s re‑entry policy, which allowed girls to return to school after childbirth.
Justice Mrs Merley Wood, President of Zonta Club Accra II, educated participants on their responsibilities towards children, stressing the need to protect them from harm, neglect and abuse.
She addressed concerns on child protection and welfare.
On disability inclusion, Ms Rita Ayi‑Bonte, a Disability Justice Advocate with VOWAC Ghana, advised families against hiding children with disabilities.
She said such children could be educated and supported to develop skills for independent living, and urged families to access available government support through local assemblies.
Naa Awo Naa Ayele Nobaatse said the outreach was organised in response to pressing community needs, particularly access to healthcare and financial support.
“When we bring such programmes to these communities, it helps them a lot. They are being evaluated by doctors and nurses for practically no fees. We are giving them free medicine and free health talks,” she said.
Health professionals at the event raised concern over increasing cases of hypertension and diabetes among residents.
Dr Linda Owusu‑Asante, Clinical Care Coordinator at Ussher Hospital, said screenings revealed a rising trend in hypertension in the area.
“So far we have seen about 15 to 20 people, and hypertension is on the rise in this particular vicinity,” she said.
She attributed the situation to irregular health check‑ups and poor adherence to prescribed medication and advised residents to seek regular medical care.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey