Empowering Communities: Visionary Norman Foundation’s Dynamic Health Campaign in Ayawaso East
On September 29, 2023, the Visionary Norman Foundation, a proactive non-governmental organization, launched an extensive and dynamic health campaign in the heart of the Ayawaso East District within the Greater Accra Region.
The campaign’s central hub was Ashaiman station in the vibrant Nima community, nestled within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Its primary mission: to combat the distressing prevalence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV, and Hepatitis B among reproductive-age individuals in Nima and its neighboring communities, all under the resounding banner of “Empowering Healthy Communities: Eradicating STIs, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis B.”
Comprehensive Health Empowerment
The foundation rolled out a comprehensive array of services, including the proactive administration of COVID-19 vaccinations, Hepatitis B vaccinations, Hepatitis B screenings, retro screenings, NHIS registration and renewal services, blood pressure assessments, blood glucose testing, empowering reproductive health education, and access to vital contraceptive services.
Community Embraces Transformation
Chief Seidu Hassan Fuseini, Chairman of the Ayawaso Council of Zongo Chiefs, enthusiastically commended this groundbreaking initiative.
He acknowledged the escalating instances of Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and STIs and wholeheartedly pledged unwavering support for the foundation’s visionary endeavors.
Chief Fuseini passionately urged influential opinion leaders to rally behind such transformative initiatives.
Tackling a Pressing Public Health Challenge
Dr. Abena Yeboah, Director of the Ayawaso East Municipal Health Directorate, emphasized the campaign’s core mission.
She declared, “Today, our mission revolves around passionately raising awareness concerning STIs, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis B through assertive medical screenings and impactful health education.
Ayawaso East, home to an estimated population of 54,117, boasts of a vibrant youth community, constituting approximately 50% of its residents. Concerning health, unsettling statistics from the District Health Information Management System revealed nearly 400 cases of STIs among our youth in 2022, posing a grave public health challenge.
In response, the Visionary Norman Foundation, in dynamic collaboration with Nima Polyclinic and the Health Directorate, boldly accepted the mantle of responsibility to address this pressing issue.”
A Call to Inspire Change
Founder of the Visionary Norman Foundation, Mr. Abraham Norman Nortey, passionately inspired all participants to become dynamic health advocates, community educators, and bold champions of positive transformation.
He fervently urged them to ensure that the impact of their collective efforts resonated far beyond the present moment, creating a lasting and uplifting effect on countless lives.
MP’s Gratitude
Hon. Nasser Mahama Toure, the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso East, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Visionary Norman Foundation for their dynamic support to the constituency’s residents.
He underscored the paramount importance of proactive healthcare measures, encouraging community members to wholeheartedly embrace health screenings to gain proactive insight into their well-being.
Hon. Toure particularly emphasized the significance of young people’s active participation in these screenings, highlighting the importance of early detection and timely intervention.
Addressing Ghana’s Health Imperatives
Given Ghana’s formidable challenges with a 1.8% HIV prevalence rate and a substantial 13% of individuals living with undiagnosed HIV, the campaign’s dynamic thrust toward awareness is undeniably imperative.
In 2022, self-reported STIs in Ayawaso were alarmingly prevalent at 6.0%.
Furthermore, the pervasive occurrence of Hepatitis B within Ghana’s general population served as an irresistible motivator for the Visionary Norman Foundation to boldly undertake this dynamic health campaign, firmly confronting Hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, and sexually transmitted infections.
Extending Vital Services with Impact
The health campaign extended a multitude of essential services to participants residing in these beneficiary communities, making an impactful difference in the health and overall well-being of Ayawaso East.
Also read: Visionary Norman Foundation Sparks Empowerment and Transformation in Lambussie District
