Essuowin, a serene village within the Amansie West District of the Ashanti region, had long awaited a beacon of hope in health care. This beacon finally illuminated the lives of the villagers on Monday, June 3, 2024, marking the commencement of a significant three-day health screening project at the newly constructed maternity block of the Essuowin Health Centre. This was made possible by Ghana West Africa Medical Mission in partnership with Dada Foundation-Ghana.
The health screening project kicked off with a colourful opening ceremony at the new maternity block of the health centre, a generous gift from the village’s esteemed Chief, Nana Akyena Kwagyan Nuama V, whose vision for improved community health had now come to fruition. Present at the ceremony were the Ghana West African Medical Mission (GWAMM) team, Dada Foundation-Ghana, Students and Faculty representatives from the Wisconsin International University College-Ghana (Kumasi Campus), staff of the health centre, and the beautiful people of Essuowin.
In his inaugural speech, the Chief expressed his deep appreciation for the show of Christ’s love and care, emphasizing the collective sacrifices that made this project possible. The district health director, who had been pivotal in facilitating the entire exercise, also shared his thoughts, commending the collaborative effort that had transformed Essuowin into a model health centre.
Right after the opening ceremony, the air was thick with anticipation. The health screening began in earnest. 8 members of GWAMM, 3 Ghanaian Doctors, 8 student nurses, 1 Clinical Instructor and the Dada Foundation team swiftly moved into action, setting up stations and welcoming the first wave of villagers eager to receive medical attention.
The second day saw the health centre buzzing with activity. The 8 student nurses from WIUC-Ghana, Kumasi Campus, donned their branded T-shirts with pride, ready to dive into hands-on learning experiences. Dr. Lyle Wadsworth, from the GWAMM team, a seasoned medical professional with over 40 years of experience from the USA, engaged the student nurses in a variety of practical training sessions. Dr. Wadsworth’s expertise and patient teaching methods turned the health centre into a dynamic learning environment. Rev Dr Dennis Littleton, President of GWAMM, also conducted devotion at the beginning of each day’s activities and also ministered to the spiritual needs of patients as they came through the health screening.
Patients of all ages streamed into the centre, where they received screenings for common ailments, severe health conditions, and health education. The students assisted in taking vital signs, administering medications, and providing guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This real-life exposure was invaluable, equipping the young nurses with skills and confidence that no classroom could provide.
Health education sessions were a crucial part of the day’s activities. The medical team and volunteers conducted workshops on menstrual hygiene, teaching young girls and women about proper practices and the importance of maintaining menstrual health. Additionally, there were sessions on general health maintenance, covering topics such as balanced diets, regular exercise, and the prevention of common diseases. These educational initiatives aimed to empower the community with knowledge that would enable them to lead healthier lives long after the project concluded.
As the third day dawned, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment. The health screening continued seamlessly, with the medical team working tirelessly to ensure every villager received the needed care. The collaboration between the Ghana West African Medical Mission and the Dada Foundation-Ghana, led by Mr. Jacob Fynn (Acting Executive Director), was a testament to meticulous planning and flawless execution. Over 900 patients were seen during the entire 3-day exercise. At the end of the exercise, the remaining medication was donated to the health centre. The district health director Dr Bernard Badu Bediako received the medication on behave of the health centre and assured judicious use of the medication.
The closing ceremony was held at the residence of the Chief, Nana Akyena Kwagyan Nuama V. The district health director took the stage as his voice was filled with gratitude and hope and declared the health screening project a monumental success, highlighting how it had set the stage for Essuowin to become a model for other communities. He spoke of bigger things to come, of a future where Essuowin would continue to lead in community health initiatives.