As part of efforts to raise awareness about
tuberculosis, Newmont Ahafo Mine in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service
and the German International Co-operation (GIZ) has organized a durbar at
Wamahinso in the Asutifi District of Brong-Ahafo to mark World Tuberculosis
Day.
Basic school
children and community members carried placards through the streets of
Wamahinso amidst Brass Band music ahead of the durbar, which was on the theme,
“Call for a World Free of TB.”
Addressing the
durbar, the Asutifi District Director of Health Services, Richard Kwasi Henneh,
explained that Tuberculosis is an infectious and contagious disease, which
mainly affects the lungs but could also damage other parts of the body.
He said
anyone who develops the disease can easily spread it to others by sneezing,
coughing or yawning without covering his mouth.
The District
Director emphasised that Tuberculosis is curable and its treatment is for free,
adding that the treatment of the disease lasts for six months and must not be
stopped for any reason.
One hundred and twelve (112) students and residents
of Wamahinso benefitted from the free medical screening on HIV/AIDS, Blood
Pressure and Sugar level after the durbar at Newmont’s cost.
Later, Newmont and Health officials extended the
education to the Kenyase Prisons where over a hundred inmates were sensitized
on the disease after which they also benefitted from free tuberculosis and HIV
tests, and had their weight, Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels checked as well.