By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Residents of Chemunaa in Accra have benefited from an extensive free tuberculosis (TB) screening and health outreach organised by the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in collaboration with the Home and Urban Mission Department of The Church of Pentecost.
The exercise went beyond TB testing to include a wide range of medical screenings such as malaria testing, HIV screening, blood pressure checks, blood sugar (diabetes) testing, and general health consultations. Health professionals also conducted symptom assessments, including persistent cough checks, chest examinations, and sputum sample collection for laboratory analysis to detect TB cases early.
The outreach further provided health education sessions where residents were taken through the causes, symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment of tuberculosis. Participants were also screened for risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and underlying conditions like malnutrition and HIV, which can predispose individuals to TB infection.
Research Scientist at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Stephen Osei-Wusu, said the initiative, supported by the Ghana Health Service and the National Tuberculosis Control Programme, aims to bring holistic healthcare services directly to the community. He noted that although TB is curable and treatment is free, awareness has reduced in recent years, leading to misconceptions and delayed reporting of symptoms.
Dr. Osei-Wusu emphasised that TB is a bacterial disease and not a spiritual illness, urging residents to take advantage of free testing and treatment. He added that early detection through screenings such as sputum testing and clinical evaluations is critical in breaking the chain of transmission. He also highlighted the need for a broader approach to tackling TB, including improving housing conditions, reducing overcrowding, and addressing lifestyle-related risk factors.
National Coordinator for Home and Urban Mission of The Church of Pentecost, Benjamin Ofei-Badu, said the Church remains committed to supporting health interventions that improve the well-being of communities. He explained that the collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Control Programme and chest clinics ensures that individuals who test positive are linked to treatment centres for continuous care.
Pastor Ofei-Badu urged the public to participate in regular screenings and adhere to treatment when diagnosed, stressing that TB is both preventable and curable. He also encouraged residents to maintain hygiene practices introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing, and keeping clean surroundings.
Some beneficiaries who spoke to GBC News described the comprehensive screening as highly beneficial, noting that it helped them understand their health status beyond TB. They called for more frequent outreach programmes to improve access to essential healthcare services in their communities.
