Understand Your Hepatitis Risk

Community Outreach Focuses on Hepatitis Awareness

Dr. Antoinette Ata Hasford, a Senior Medical Officer at Euracare Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana, has emphasized the importance of knowing one’s hepatitis status. Hepatitis, which refers to the inflammation of the liver, can be caused by various factors, including viral infections. According to Dr. Hasford, understanding one’s health status is crucial for early diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventing the spread of the disease.

This advice was shared during a community medical outreach program organized by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation as part of its Gold Fields Group Legacy Programme (GLP). The third quarter outreach initiative targeted residents of Koduakrom, a community located in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality of the Western Region. The event provided a wide range of medical services, including blood sugar and blood pressure checks, eye examinations, body mass index (BMI) assessments, and breast cancer screenings.

In addition to these services, participants had access to dental care, ear, nose, and throat (ENT) assessments, and malaria screening. The program was supported by Unilever Ghana, and a total of 732 individuals were screened. All attendees received free toothpastes as part of the initiative.

An education session focused on hepatitis B awareness was held to coincide with World Hepatitis Day this year. Dr. Hasford encouraged people to take charge of their health by visiting the nearest hospital for hepatitis testing. She explained that if someone tests negative, they should consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis B, especially. She also urged pregnant women to attend antenatal care, as hepatitis B screening is an essential part of prenatal care that helps protect unborn children from the disease.

Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare

Ayishetu Mohammed, the Project Coordinator for Health, Environment and Conservation at Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, revealed that the foundation has invested over US$4.9 million in health and wellness initiatives to date. This investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to improving the quality of life in its host communities.

The foundation also partnered with the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to register and renew 708 community members’ insurance cards. This effort ensures that participants have access to long-term healthcare benefits. According to Ayishetu, the Gold Fields Group Legacy Programme prioritizes expanding access to quality healthcare in the communities where the company operates.

She highlighted that the foundation continues to improve access to quality health services and promote health awareness across its host communities. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create sustainable health outcomes and foster healthier living environments.

A Comprehensive Approach to Public Health

The outreach program in Koduakrom exemplifies the collaborative approach between the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, local health institutions, and private sector partners like Unilever Ghana. By combining medical services with health education, the initiative addresses both immediate health needs and long-term prevention strategies.

The focus on hepatitis B awareness is particularly important given the disease’s potential to cause severe liver damage and even death if left untreated. Through regular screening and vaccination campaigns, communities can significantly reduce the prevalence of the disease.

Moreover, the integration of maternal health services into the outreach program underscores the importance of protecting not only the health of individuals but also the well-being of future generations. By ensuring that pregnant women receive proper care, the program contributes to reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B.

These efforts align with global health goals aimed at eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat. With continued support from organizations like the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, communities in Ghana are taking meaningful steps toward better health outcomes and a stronger, more resilient population.