The Medical Students Association (MSA) of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho (UHAS), as part of its maiden Week Celebration, organized a health screening exercise in Adaklu Waya and Adaklu Wayanu communities.

A team of 37 students from the UHAS School of Medicine was divided into five (5) groups and they collectively attended to about 300 people who were screened for the Hepatitis B virus, HIV/AIDS and Hypertension. Those with abnormal blood pressures were advised to contact the nearest health centres immediately. Samples collected during the exercise shall be clinically examined and all Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS concerns will be referred to the Volta Regional Hospital.

Before the screening process, the community members were sensitized on hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS and Hypertension. Some of the junior / senior high schools located in the target communities were also visited. While engaging with the community members, Mr Samuel Edudzi Gavor, the President of MSA-UHAS, stated among other things that the hepatitis B virus is contracted mainly through body contact with an infected person. He added that the virus causes an inflammation of the liver and further explained that the mode of transmission includes sweat, blood, urine and sharing of personal belongings with an infected person. He used the opportunity to encourage the community members to be willing to take advantage of any opportunity to get tested and be vaccinated.

Mama Dzankui I, Queenmother of Adaklu Waya expressed great satisfaction with the health screening exercise. She further extended the profound gratitude of both communities to the UHAS Medical Students Association. She entreated them to continue with the good work in other communities.

Prior to the community outreach, the Medical Students Association (MSA-UHAS) launched its maiden Week Celebration with the theme “Prevent Hepatitis B, Act Now!!” Notable among the dignitaries who graced the launching of the week-long celebration were the Registrar of UHAS, Dr. Sena Kpeglo, the Director of the Volta Regional Hospital, Dr. John Tampori, the Dean of UHAS School of Medicine, Professor Harry Tagbo, and the Patron of the Association, Rev. Albert Addae.

Other activities of the celebration included a float on the principal streets of Ho, a movie night, a debate, a health walk, games and a thanksgiving service which crowned the celebration.