In the heart of the Eastern Region of Ghana, Ghana West Africa Medical Mission (GWAMM) in collaboration with Dada Foundation-Ghana, with support from Wisconsin international University College-Ghana, embarked on a transformative journey to provide healthcare services to communities in need, form October 2 to October 4, 2023. Over the course of four days, our dedicated team of medical professionals and volunteers worked tirelessly to bring much-needed medical attention to those who might not otherwise have access to it.
The mission kicked off with a warm welcome from local communities led by the Chief of Adukrom, Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V and Elders on October 1, 2023 at. Our team created a temporary setup at the existing facilities of two health centres in the area, thus Adukrom Medical Center and Okrakwadjo Medical Center, which create a safe and welcoming environment for the residents.
The core of the mission unfolded over the next four days, two days in each location, Adukrom and Okrakwadjo, with a focus on comprehensive healthcare services. Our diverse team of healthcare professionals from USA and Ghana, which include Dr Lyle Wardsworth, team lead GWAMM with other four members, Local Doctors, Clinical Instructors from WIUC and Student Nurses from WIUC, Eye specialists from Dr Agarwal Eye Hospital. The project was keen on general check-ups to specialized treatments; the medical mission aimed to leave no one behind.
In addition to providing medical care, our team conducted a health education on breast cancer, hygiene, nutrition, and preventive healthcare to empower the community with knowledge for the future. Part of the team focused on educating adolescent girls on menstrual cycle hygiene. We had a dedicated team that focused on eye care services which helped address issues often overlooked in traditional healthcare settings. There was also spiritual ministration by the team.
As the mission concluded, our team reflected on the impact made in the four-day exercise. About 900 patients were attended to by the end of the entire exercise, day two and four recording the highest attendance. The exercise was generally successful. Feedback indicates the beneficiaries were grateful and pleased with the entire exercise. Leftover medications were donated to the two health centres. The mission’s success lay not only in the medical treatments but also in the relationships built and the empowerment of local communities to take charge of their health.
The conclusion of the medical mission does not mark the end of our commitment. Ghana West Africa Medical Mission and Dada Foundation-Ghana is dedicated to fostering sustainable healthcare initiatives in the Eastern Region and the entire country. This includes ongoing partnerships with local healthcare providers, community health education programs, and the establishment of a framework for continued support.
The 4-day medical mission in the Eastern Region of Ghana stands as a testament to the positive change that can be achieved through collaborative efforts and a shared commitment to the well-being of communities. We look forward to the lasting impact our ongoing initiatives will have on the health and prosperity of the people we serve.