By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Konongo, June 23, GNA – The Asante Akim Central Municipal Assembly, has organised a comprehensive health screening exercise for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the municipality to promote early detection and treatment of diseases among the vulnerable group.
The exercise, funded through the Assembly’s Disability Fund, provided screening for cervical cancer, breast cancer, Hepatitis B, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure, while beneficiaries who tested negative for Hepatitis B were vaccinated free of charge.
Mr Eric Owusu Boadi, the Municipal Director of the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, said the initiative was undertaken following consultations with the Municipal Health Directorate, which identified a relatively high incidence of cervical cancer among women in the municipality.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency during the exercise, he said although health screening was not specifically listed among activities funded under disability support programmes, it fell within the broader objective of improving the health and wellbeing of PWDs.
He explained that many PWDs often faced challenges in accessing healthcare services and were less likely to report health concerns due to mobility and social barriers.
“We realised that persons with disabilities are part of the population at risk, but because of their situation, many find it difficult to seek medical attention even when they have health concerns,” he said.
Mr Boadi said the Assembly initially targeted 100 beneficiaries, but turnout exceeded expectations, reflecting the growing demand for healthcare support among PWDs.
He assured beneficiaries that the Assembly would facilitate treatment for individuals diagnosed with any of the conditions screened.
“If the screening detects any condition such as cervical cancer or Hepatitis B, the Assembly will support affected persons to access treatment because there is no point detecting a condition and leaving the person untreated,” he stated.
He said the cost of Hepatitis B vaccinations and other related interventions would be borne by the Assembly through allocations from the Disability Fund.
Dr Ebenezer Ekow Aidoo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), who interacted with beneficiaries during the programme, emphasised the importance of regular health checks and early diagnosis.
He said maintaining good health was critical to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Dr Aidoo noted that while efforts were being made to support PWDs to become economically self-reliant, equal attention must be paid to their health needs.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for vulnerable populations and commended the Municipal Health Directorate and the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development for collaborating to organise the exercise.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the Assembly for the intervention and appealed for similar programmes to be organised regularly to improve their access to healthcare services.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Yussif Ibrahim