Mining firm Anglogold Ashanti is poised to contribute to eliminate the disparities and inequalities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention and access to HIV treatment in Obuasi and its environs.
According to the Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, Anglogold Ashanti is well aware of the challenges involved in access to quality healthcare by persons living with HIV/AIDSÂ as well as testing for HIV, hence has leveraged on the mini clinic programme to get many people tested for HIV while the presence of doctors will help offer free counselling.
The Anglogold Ashanti’s quarterly health outdoor programme dubbed ‘Mini clinic’ involves taking healthcare services to the doorsteps of residents and dealing with specific health needs of communities at no cost to them.
This time, the Mini clinic train stopped at Ahansonyewodea in the Obuasi East District where thousands of people trooped in to screen for HIV, hepatitis, toothache and oral health, hypertension, diabetes, eye, Covid-19, among others.
Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, in an interaction with the media at the sidelines of the programme, said, the company through its partners AGA Health Foundation, Ghana Health Service and GIZ is keen on ensuring that people have access to quality healthcare irrespective of their location.
“As you are aware, the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day was Equalise. This is in sync with our ultimate goal of the mini clinic where we make information on the disease available as well as providing free testing and counselling.”
The Social Development and Gender Superintendent of AngloGold added that organizers of the programme have so far received positive feedback from the communities on the benefits of the mini-clinic, hence are determined to extend it to other communities.
Adansehemaa Nana Amoanimaa Dede II, on her part, berated the youth for their role in the surge in HIV cases.
She said most people, especially the youth, engage in unprotected sex, leading to rise in HIV cases.
She lauded Anglogold Ashanti for instituting the Mini clinic, which enables people to have access to quality health care under no cost to them in their communities.
In a speech read for her, the Obuasi District Health Director, Delphine Gbogblovor, said the mini clinic has so far been impactful judging from the responses from the beneficiary communities.
Beneficiaries of the programme who spoke with the media described the Mini clinic program as very innovative.
They said the outdoor healthcare programme has taken away the burden involved in travelling to seek healthcare.