Omanghana
Hundreds of residents in Nungua have benefited from free breast cancer screening and HIV testing during a community health outreach organised by the Office of the First Lady, the Lordina Foundation and the Ghana AIDS Commission.
The program, held at the forecourt of the Nungua Traditional Council in the Krowor Municipality on Tuesday, October 27, formed part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
It aimed to bring preventive healthcare closer to residents and encourage early detection, health education and timely access to treatment.
In addition to breast examinations and HIV testing, participants were offered malaria testing, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, and other health services. Health workers also provided counselling and education on disease prevention.
Support for people affected by breast cancer
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament for Krowor, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, represented First Lady Lordina Dramani Mahama at the event.
Speaking on the First Lady’s behalf, Dr Lartey called for greater social, emotional and financial support for people affected by breast cancer and their families.
She noted that a diagnosis could disrupt employment, reduce household income and increase caregiving responsibilities, placing additional pressure on families already experiencing financial difficulties.
The minister urged families, employers, traditional and religious leaders, and other institutions to help prevent discrimination and provide practical support to people undergoing treatment.
Bringing healthcare closer to residents
The Director-General of the Ghana AIDS Commission, Dr Kharmacelle Prosper Akanbong, said community outreach programs could help people who face barriers to visiting health facilities.
He identified market women, traders, drivers, head porters and young people among those who could benefit from services provided closer to where they live and work.
Dr Akanbong encouraged residents to seek appropriate screening and medical attention, stressing that early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
He also called for continued efforts to tackle HIV-related stigma and discrimination, which can discourage people from seeking testing and care. People who test positive should be linked to appropriate treatment and support, he said.
The Nungua program builds on previous collaboration between the Lordina Foundation and the Ghana AIDS Commission, including health screening initiatives in the Greater Accra and Bono regions.
Source: Omanghana
