The Wellness Bridge Initiative (WBI) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every individual knows their health status and is empowered to make informed decisions to live longer, healthier lives.
This renewed commitment was marked by the official launch of its latest preventive health program — the Health Kiosk Initiative — in Adidome, Volta Region.
The innovative community-based health project, spearheaded by WBI, seeks to address the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes, which are increasingly affecting lives in the region.
Speaking at the launch, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V, Executive Director of WBI and Chief of Adidome, described the initiative as “a candle of hope” for his community.
“The Health Kiosk Project is designed to offer preventive health solutions to the people, starting with Adidome and scaling up to all five sub-districts under the Central Tongu Health Directorate — and eventually expanding to other parts of Ghana,” he said.
According to global and national health statistics, hypertension and diabetes remain among the leading causes of death, often going undetected until it is too late.
Citing a report from Johns Hopkins Nursing, Togbe Agyeman emphasized that “hypertension tops all adult hospital admissions and is associated with a significant proportion of adult deaths in Ghana.”
He expressed concern over the increasing number of young people being affected, stating:
“Funeral posters with inscriptions like ‘What a Shock,’ ‘Gone Too Soon,’ and ‘Painful Exit’ are becoming far too common. Let us deal with it.”
The Four Pillars of the Health Kiosk: The ACNE Framework
The Health Kiosk Initiative is anchored on WBI’s four strategic pillars, collectively known as ACNE:
1. Awareness – Promoting health education and lifestyle awareness through targeted campaigns.
2. Checking – Providing free health screenings (blood pressure, blood sugar, BMI) and referrals to health facilities when necessary.
3. Nutrition – Encouraging dietary literacy using locally available foods, under the campaign “We Are What We Eat.”
4. Exercise – Promoting physical activity through community fitness programs, with a special focus on individuals aged 50 and above under the initiative “Age is a Number.”
Partnerships, Expansion, and a Call for Support
The project will operate through a tripartite collaboration involving:
- Wellness Bridge Initiative – spearheading the project and mobilizing community support,
- Central Tongu District Health Directorate – providing training and oversight,
- Adidome District Hospital – offering diagnosis and treatment for referred cases.
Acknowledging the Central Tongu Health Directorate’s partnership, Togbe Agyeman emphasized the need for broader collaboration. He made a passionate appeal to international donors, government agencies, private sector players, and philanthropists to support the expansion of the initiative nationwide.
“We have the vision. We have the plan. What we now seek is the fuel to expand, operate sustainably, and reach every corner of Ghana and beyond,” he stated.
A Celebrated Step Forward
The launch event drew a host of dignitaries, including:
- Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Commissioner and Volta Region Representative to the NDPC, who chaired the event,
- Hon. Adison Dodzie Mornyuie, District Chief Executive of Central Tongu,
- Mr. Baba Awuni, District Director of Health Services,
- Chiefs, Queenmothers (including Mama Drapey, Queenmother of Adidome), the media, and local community leaders.
Dr. Apetorgbor praised the initiative, calling it both innovative and inspiring:
“If there were an award today for traditional innovation, I would ask everyone to vote for Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V.”
A Vision of Health Equity
The Health Kiosk is envisioned as a hub for free community health screenings — for blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) — with an efficient referral system for early diagnosis and intervention.
As the project sets its sights on scaling nationally, it offers a promising solution toward achieving UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), reinforcing the belief that preventive health is not a privilege, but a right for all.
Source; News Desk
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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