Samira Bawumia urges Ghanaians to prioritize health at Rotary 2024 Family Health Days launch
The Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, has called on Ghanaians to prioritize their health, emphasizing that it is the most valuable asset a person can have.
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Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Ghana Rotary Family Health Days (RFHD) in Accra on September 17, she praised Rotary Ghana for its continued efforts in providing essential healthcare services to underserved communities and urged support for the initiative.
The event, held at the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Hall in Osu, was themed ‘Healthy Families, Healthy Communities.’ Samira Bawumia stressed the importance of accessible healthcare as a fundamental human right, particularly for those living in rural areas.
Since its inception in 2014, the RFHD initiative has reached over 180,000 people across Ghana, delivering critical health services to those in need. The Second Lady encouraged Ghanaians to take full advantage of the free healthcare services offered, urging both public and private sectors to rally behind the cause.
"As we launch the 2024 Ghana Rotary Family Health Days, I want to take this opportunity to call on all of us—individuals, organizations, and the private sector—to get involved in this initiative. Whether by volunteering, offering resources, or simply spreading the word to those who need these services. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to quality healthcare," she said.
"I also want to encourage the beneficiaries of this program to take full advantage of the services provided, and beyond that, to continue practicing healthy habits in their daily lives. Let us prioritize our health, as it is the most valuable asset we have".
The 2024 Rotary Family Health Days, scheduled from September 19 to 21, aims to serve approximately 30,000 individuals across 30 communities in five regions: Greater Accra, Ashanti, Volta, Eastern, and Western. The programme offers free health services such as HIV, tuberculosis, and diabetes testing, blood pressure checks, and childhood immunisations.
“This is being done for persons in underserved communities to access free healthcare,” said Nana Yaa Siriboe, District Governor Elect of Rotary International District 9104. “For some, this exercise will help them know their health status, especially children and older folks.”
This year’s event will also feature mental health education, reflecting the growing focus on mental health awareness. The programme is organized in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, USAID, and other local health bodies.
In 2018, the initiative served over 62,000 people, far exceeding its target. Rotary’s commitment to public health is aligned with its motto, "Service Above Self," and the 2024 edition will see participation from 44 Rotary clubs alongside medical staff and technicians from the Ghana Health Service.
In addition to the core health services, the Narcotics Control Commission will hold sessions on the harmful effects of drug use, highlighting Rotary's dedication to promoting overall well-being in communities.
Several high-profile figures were in attendance at the launch, including District Governor Florence Maame Hagan, Past Assistant Governor Nii Akwei Addo, and Past District Governors William Keteku and Robert Atta. The RFHD initiative continues to provide free healthcare to underserved communities across Ghana, furthering Rotary’s global mission of health outreach.
Rotary is a global network of more than 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in themselves.