Omanghana
A total of 1,600 children from Kumasi and nearby communities have benefited from free medical screenings and specialist consultations at the third edition of the TWISCO–ABSH Kids Fair.
The event was held at the Asafo-Boakye Specialist Hospital in Ahenema-Kokoben in the Ashanti Region as part of efforts to improve children’s access to preventive and specialised healthcare.
Participating children received medical assessments covering dental health, eye care, ear, nose and throat conditions, and general paediatric wellness.
The fair also provided parents and caregivers with nutritional counselling and preventive health education to help them make informed decisions about their children’s well-being.
Medical professionals held individual consultations with children requiring further attention. These sessions allowed paediatricians and other specialists to examine conditions that had not previously been diagnosed or treated.
The initiative placed particular emphasis on early detection, recognising that some childhood health problems may worsen or affect long-term development when treatment is delayed.
Hospital Administrator Stephen Ofosu said preventive healthcare remains essential to improving outcomes for children. He explained that identifying conditions at an early stage gives medical professionals and families an opportunity to intervene before complications develop.
For many participating families, the programme also removed the financial obstacle associated with accessing specialist care. The cost of consultations, diagnostic assessments and treatment often prevents households from seeking medical assistance until a child’s condition becomes severe.
By bringing several specialists together at one location and providing the services without charge, the fair enabled parents to have their children assessed more conveniently.
Beyond the medical examinations, organisers introduced games and other recreational activities to create a relaxed and welcoming environment.
The activities were designed to reduce the anxiety children sometimes experience during hospital visits. They also provided an opportunity for participants to interact and enjoy the event while waiting for their screenings and consultations.
Attendance at the TWISCO–ABSH Kids Fair has increased consistently since its introduction. The first edition served approximately 1,200 children, while the number rose to 1,400 during the second event.
The participation of 1,600 children at the latest edition represents an increase of 200 over the previous year and 400 compared with the inaugural programme.
The steady growth reflects increased public awareness of the initiative and continuing demand for accessible specialist healthcare within Kumasi and its surrounding communities.
The programme also highlights the importance of partnerships between healthcare institutions and private companies in addressing gaps in community health services.
Through the fair, TWISCO and Asafo-Boakye Specialist Hospital are combining corporate social responsibility with preventive healthcare to reach children who might otherwise have limited access to specialists.
The initiative is expected to help families identify dental, visual, hearing, nutritional and developmental concerns before they become more difficult or expensive to manage.
Parents and caregivers were also encouraged to maintain regular medical check-ups instead of waiting for visible symptoms or serious complications before seeking professional assistance.
Organisers indicated that children requiring additional treatment after the initial screenings would be guided on the appropriate next steps based on the findings of the medical teams.
Asafo-Boakye Specialist Hospital plans to expand the programme during its fourth edition in 2027. The proposed expansion is expected to increase the number of beneficiaries and broaden the fair’s community reach.
The hospital said the initiative would remain an important part of its corporate social responsibility activities in the Ashanti Region, with continued attention to preventive care, early diagnosis and improved childhood health outcomes.
Source: Omanghana
