Okyeame Kwame, Noguchi and MDS-Lancet mark World Hepatitis Day
THE Okyeame Kwame Foundation in collaboration with Noguchi Memorial Institute, Madina Health Directotate of Ghana Health Service and MDS-Lancet Laboratories marked World Hepatitis Day with a health screening and vaccination exercise at Madina Market, Accra, on Friday, July 28.
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World Hepatitis Day, observed annually on July 28, aims to raise global awareness of hepatitis—a group of infectious diseases and encourage prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
In a chat with Graphic Showbiz, rapper Okyeame Kwame who leads Okyeame Kwame Foundation and has been celebrating World Hepatitis Day since 2009, said a total of 438 people were screened and about eight percent tested positive with the rest getting free vaccination.
“Hundreds of people participated in the celebration at Madina Market, specifically at the STC Yard. Participants were given pre-test counseling before they signed a consent form and registration.
“Afterwards, a phlebotomist took their blood samples and participants were asked questions to assess their knowledge of how hepatitis is contracted and how it can be prevented.
“They answered questions about lifestyle choices and family history. When the test results were ready, participants were given post-test counseling, whether they have tested positive or negative.
“At the end of the day, those who tested positive were advised to see a doctor at the Liver Clinic at Legon Hospital, Accra, while those whose results came out negative received their first shot of vaccination and were given a yellow vaccination card that indicated the date for second and third shots at either Madina Hospital or Legon Hospital.
“ I am also happy to say interested individuals can arrange and visit the Noguchi Memorial Institute for free hepatitis screening and vaccination throughout the year”, he added.
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Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion were Dr Priscilla Anima Poku, Municipal Health Director, Professors Joseph Kofi Bonney and Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi of Noguchi, Dr. Samuel Nuamah, Director, Public Health Alliance International Ghana, Marsha D. Thomas and Dr. Shirley Evers-Manly, both of National Black Nurses Association, Rodney Boatey, MD of Excelsior Global, Agnes Baffoe, Client Services Manager, MDS-Lancet and many volunteers.
According to Okyeame Kwame, since the beginning of July, a number of activities were organised as a build up to the main event on July 28.
“We held an inter-schools health quiz from July 6-21, a 30-day social media campaign with infographics among others.
“The health quiz was organised in the Ayawaso West Municipality and schools were grouped into Abelemkpe and Roman Ridge zones. Students were given comprehensive information about hepatitis and general health information to prepare them for the competition.
“About 600 students participated in the competition which was under the co-supervision of the Municipal Director of Education. Espo Best Child JHS emerged winners and received GHc1,000 and a trophy. Convenant Presby School came second and they took home GHc700 and third place University Staff Village JHS received GHc500”, he stated.
Sponsors for the programme include Anglo Gold Ashanti, HEPMAL project based at Noguchi, Ghana Chamber of Mines, East Cantoments Pharmacy Ltd., Crescent Chemist, Excelsior Global Ltd, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), Mr. James Akwetea-Foli and Black American Association of Nurs