The Department of Population and Health at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), in partnership with Los Abuelos Foundation (LAF), an NGO, has organised health screening for over 500 elderly persons in Yamoransa, a town near Cape Coast.
The event, which was held to mark International Day of Older Persons, was on the theme: " Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action.”
The programme which was first in the series, had beneficiaries been screened to check for diseases free of charge and also provide free registration and renewal of their National Health Insurance.
Beneficiaries were screened for conditions such as breast cancer, hepatitis B, high blood pressure, malaria, and obesity through Body Mass Index (BMI) checks.
Participants were also shown the appropriate medical facilities to go for follow-up treatment and counselling after their screening.
A section of beneficiaries of the health screening exercise
The significance of the event aligns with the foundation’s mission and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1 - No Poverty; Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being, and Goal 10 - Reducing Inequalities.
The older persons were also given clothing and groceries.
The Chief Executive Officer of LAF, Eunice Annan Afari, said the Foundation promoted the rights and welfare of older persons through humanitarian interventions, advocacy, research, and strategic programmes.
She said they aimed to re-echo the socio-cultural values in showing respect, love and appreciation to older persons for the impact they make on individual lives and society, and also to advocate against all forms of abuse and maltreatment against older persons.
She called for the establishment of geriatric centres since they play a vital role in addressing the unique health challenges faced by older persons, such as age-related diseases, cognitive decline and social isolation.
A beneficiary during an eye screening
“By establishing and strengthening these centres, we can ensure comprehensive and age-sensitive care which will reduce health disparities and promote dignified aging," she added.
Mrs Afari, therefore, appealed to the government to integrate older persons into the country’s healthcare and social protection systems to fully achieve the SDGs.
She also urged the government to expedite action on the passage of the Aging Bill to protect the rights and dignity of older persons and also create a society that values and respects their contributions.
On his part, the Head of Department of Population and Health, Prof. Kobina Esia-Donkoh, praised the collaboration and the outreach model.
“They serve as an early intervention strategy for older people who would otherwise not prioritise their health.
By making health services accessible, we are empowering older persons to take control of their wellbeing," he noted.
A senior citizen receiving some bedding
Prof. Esia-Donkoh commended the people of Yamoransa for availing the community to the Department to use it as a social laboratory to enable students acquire practical skills, to augment teaching and learning.
The International Day of Older People is observed on October 1, each year.
On December 14, 1990, the UN General Assembly voted to establish the date in line with Resolution 45/106. The day was first observed in 1991.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC