A community-based health initiative, “Health Kiosk” project, has been launched at Adidome, the Central Tongu District capital, in the Volta Region to help address the rising cases of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes in the area. 

The project, spearheaded by Wellness Bridge Initiative (WBI), was designed to provide preventive health solutions and bring vital health checks closer to the people.

It would serve as a centre for free health screenings such as blood pressure, blood sugar, and body mass index, with referrals made to the Adidome District Hospital when necessary.

The launch was attended by some officials of the Central Tongu District Assembly, the District Health Directorate, traditional leaders, community members, and representatives from other stakeholders.

A health screening exercise for the community was also launched.

Significance

The Chief of Adidome, Togbe Kwasinyi Kakaklolo Agyeman V, who is also the Executive Director of WBI, described the project as “a candle of hope” for his people.

“The project is designed to offer preventive health solutions to the people, starting with Adidome and scaling up to all five sub-districts of the Central Tongu Health Directorate, and further extended to other parts of the country,” he added.

Togbe Agyeman further explained that the project would operate on a Wellness Bridge Initiative’s four strategic pillars - awareness through health education campaigns, free screening for blood pressure and blood sugar, nutrition, and physical exercise.

The executive director expressed concern about the growing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in the country, particularly among the youth, saying the trend was contributing to premature deaths.

“Funeral posters with inscriptions such as ‘What a Shock’, ‘Gone Too Soon’, and ‘Painful Exit’ are becoming too common. Let us deal with our health,” he added.

The executive director expressed appreciation to the Central Tongu District Health Directorate, the Mafi Adidome Development Advisory Board (MADAB), and individual donors who supported the first kiosk project.

He appealed to government agencies, corporate institutions, international donors and philanthropists to support the expansion of the initiative nationwide, adding that it directly contributed to the attainment of the UN Sustainable Development Goal Three (Good health and well-being).

“We have the vision; we have the plan. What we now seek is the fuel to expand, operate sustainably, to reach every corner of the country and beyond,” the executive director said. 

The Volta Region Representative on the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, commended Togbe Agyeman for the initiative, saying “the project is a true example of visionary leadership”.

He said the initiative aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s people-centred health policy, which prioritises preventive care and community-based health delivery.

“Health and development are inseparable. A healthy people form the bedrock of a productive economy.

“By ensuring early detection of hypertension, diabetes and other silent conditions, this initiative places the well-being of the community at the centre of our development efforts,” Dr Apetorgbor added.

He urged other traditional authorities in the region and beyond to replicate the intervention, and that small community efforts could spark broader development.