The Telecel Ghana Foundation's Healthfest has provided free health screenings to about 400 people in Konongo. This initiative offered essential medical services to residents in eastern Ashanti. The event took place as part of Telecel's Ashanti Month celebrations this June.
The outreach screened individuals for major health issues. These included hypertension, diabetes, malaria, Hepatitis B, HIV, and typhoid. Participants also received vital health education and counselling. Referrals for further medical care were also provided. Nearly 300 people registered for or renewed their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) membership. The NHIS is Ghana's government-funded health insurance program.
This Healthfest is a key component of Telecel Ghana Foundation's 'Connected Health' program. This program aims to improve access to quality healthcare. It also promotes preventive health measures in communities. Many residents in Konongo, a known mining community, face high costs for regular health checks. This event removed those financial hurdles. Isaac Nana Yaw Frimpong, a trader, praised the initiative. He called the process excellent and the care quality. He was grateful that everything truly was free.
The importance of early detection was stressed by health workers. They noted that conditions like hypertension and diabetes often go unnoticed. This continues until serious health problems develop. Edmund Duodu, Executive Director of Divine Mother and Child Foundation (DMAC), a partner, explained this. "When we identify them early, individuals can seek treatment and make lifestyle changes before serious health problems develop," he said. Rita Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability and External Communications, stated Healthfest’s focus. It aims for early disease detection and preventive care to save lives.
Ms Rockson further explained the choice of Konongo. "Healthfest enables us to make a meaningful impact by bringing essential healthcare services closer to those who need them most," she said. This initiative is part of Telecel Ghana's wider Ashanti Month activities. These include the Asantehene Golf Open and digital skills training. This marks the ninth year of Ashanti Month engagement. It shows Telecel Ghana's commitment to community development beyond connectivity. The foundation believes in improving health outcomes and digital inclusion.