By Isaac Arkoh, GNA
Assin Achiase/Kwamena Atta (C/R), May 17, GNA – The Daniel Ntow Obese Foundation (DNOF), a non-government organisation (NGO) serving vulnerable populations, has carried out a medical outreach in the Achiase and Kwame-Atta communities in the Assin South District of the Central Region.
A team of 20 health personnel screened more than 200 residents for various conditions and provided free medications.
The Foundation also distributed assorted clothing, bags and shoes, bringing visible joy to many recipients.
Dr Amoah Smith, an optometrist with DNOF who led the medical team, said many children screened showed signs of anaemia, while adults were commonly diagnosed with diabetes, malaria, hypertension and eye problems such as refractive errors, cataracts and allergic conjunctivitis.
He noted that some conditions including diabetes, hypertension, refractive error and glaucoma had hereditary links, while others were related to lifestyle.
Dr Amoah urged residents to avoid late-night eating and a sedentary lifestyle, and exercise regularly and to attend medical check-ups more frequently.
He also warned against self-medication and appealed to people to make hospitals their first point of call when they fall ill.
Madam Elizabeth Obese, the President of the Foundation, said the outreach was the first for the year and that the Foundation had run many similar events across the region.
She explained that the organisation’s objectives included supporting the vulnerable through medical outreaches, scholarships, education and ICT initiatives, and she highlighted the positive impact these programs have had on local communities.
She added that several patients identified during the outreach had been referred to hospitals for further care and that the Foundation had followed up to ensure they received treatment.
The Foundation, she said, had awarded scholarships to more than 20 tertiary students at universities across the country.
Madam Esther Bentil, a mother of three who received medical screening and donated clothing, said: “I am deeply grateful to the Daniel Ntow Obese Foundation. The free check-up and medicines have taken a heavy burden off my shoulders.
“The clothes and shoes will help my children go back to school with confidence. We need more programmes like this in our community.”
Madam Sophia Effikura, an elderly beneficiary who was screened for hypertension and eye problems, said: “This outreach came at the right time. I could not afford the hospital visit, but today I was examined and given medicine.
“The team also showed me simple exercises and lifestyle tips I can use at home. I feel hopeful and thankful.”
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey
Reporter: Isaac Arkoh