2025 World Kidney Day observation at Yareyeya; hundreds line up to have their turn of the Free Health Screening

 

 Hundreds of residents from Yareyeya, Suwinso, Awudua Nkwanta, Gordon and adjourning communities are taking part in a free health screening exercise to mark the 2025 World Kidney Day at Yareyeya.

The event, organized by Firm Health Ghana Foundation in collaboration with the Government Hospital, Bogoso and media partner GhanaWeb, is aiming to raise awareness about kidney health under the theme "Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health."

Prior to the commencement of the Free Health Screening, the Nurse Manager at the Government Hospital, Bogoso, Mrs. Joyce Agbeko and other health professionals educated the people about diabetes, hypertension, kidney diseases among others. This gave them knowledge on the various diseases they need to be careful about, so they can live long.

Earlier this week, a team from the Firm Health Ghana Foundation and Government Hospital, Bogoso engaged in a community entry exercise, visiting the chief and elders of Yareyeya to inform them about the initiative. The chief Nana Kojo Nkansah warmly welcomed the team and expressed his gratitude for the intervention.

"Our people often do not have access to proper health screening, and many do not know they have kidney problems until it is too late. This exercise is a blessing to us, and I encourage all my people to take part in it," the chief said.

At the Yareyeya School Park, where the screening is currently taking place, residents from Yareyeya and neighboring communities such as Suwinso, Awudu Nkwanta, Gordon, and Peter Nkwanta are undergoing free tests for blood urea and creatinine, blood glucose levels, and blood pressure checks. Health professionals from the Government Hospital, Bogoso and Tarkwa Community Hospital are also providing consultations and education on kidney disease prevention.

Speaking on the importance of the exercise, Dr. Joseph Darko, the Medical Superintendent for Government Hospital, Bogoso, emphasized the need for early detection of kidney diseases, stating that many Ghanaians are unknowingly living with kidney conditions.

"Kidney disease is a silent killer because it often shows no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage. Through this screening, we are helping people detect issues early so they can take preventive measures and seek treatment before it’s too late," Dr. Darko is explaining.

The Executive Director of Firm Health Ghana Foundation, Dr. Sylvester Akpah, is expressing satisfaction with the turnout and encouraging Ghanaians to take their kidney health seriously.

"We are excited to see so many people coming out for this screening. Our goal is to create awareness and ensure that kidney health becomes a priority in our communities. Prevention is always better than cure, and today, we are giving people the opportunity to take charge of their health," Dr. Akpah stated.

The screening exercise is expected to benefit hundreds of residents, offering them a chance to assess their kidney health and receive guidance on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle.