In October during the national breast cancer awareness month, a comprehensive health initiative took place in Peki, Kpeve, and Tongor-Dzemeni in the South Dayi District.
Orchestrated by the Lotus International Foundation under the auspices of the Member of Parliament (MP), Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, the event seamlessly integrated breast cancer awareness activities with free health screening.
The Lotus International Foundation with support from the South Dayi District Health Directorate led a successful and impactful event.
The primary goal was to promote community wellness and early detection of breast cancer and other health conditions, facilitating prompt referral for further management.
The initiative included free health screenings for Hepatitis B, glucose levels, haemoglobin, blood pressure, optional HIV testing, and crucially, free breast cancer screenings.
Health officers from the District Health Directorate actively participated, ensuring the event’s success.
Beyond the screening, the event emphasized health education, providing participants with valuable insights into breast cancer risk factors, symptoms, and instructions for self-breast examinations.
This educational component aimed to empower the community with essential health-related information for their overall well-being.
The event’s success was evidenced by the turnout of 495 individuals across the three screening locations: Peki, Kpeve, and Tongor-Dzemeni.
Each location had its unique characteristics, with the Peki screening concluding with a health walk and the Kpeve event coinciding with the market day.
The Tongor-Dzemeni event, despite facing challenges due to the Akosombo Dam spillage, set a record for the highest turnout.
Engaging interactions with the community, including children dancing to background music, added vibrancy to the screening atmosphere.
Despite the adversity, health officers and the team were provided with snacks and lunch, expressing appreciation for their efforts.
A boat tour was also organised to allow a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by the town.
The initiative showcased the commitment of the community, local authorities, and organizations like the Lotus International Foundation to promote public health.
By combining breast cancer awareness with diverse health screenings and education, the event highlighted the importance of early detection and timely intervention.
In his speech, South Dayi MP Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said he hopes that the event will be sustained “to help our womenfolk to make early detection, if any, and have the appropriate medical treatment for it before it gets out of hand”.
The founder of the Lotus International Foundation, Fafa Bankas, expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters, acknowledging their invaluable contributions.
She emphasized the selflessness and generosity that played a crucial role in making the community health initiative a resounding success.
Looking forward to continued collaboration, she called on South Dayi indigenes to support future projects, emphasizing their collective commitment to the well-being of the community.
“Whatever project we put up is for the love of our constituency and the well-being of the people, despite challenges and sabotage for political gain,” she said.
“The Lotus International Foundation, under the auspices of Hon. Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, does it for the love.’’