Two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) - GIZ ReCHT and Bank and Medicine Use and Safety Organisation as well as UT Bank, collaborated with Cocoa Clinic in Accra to organise free medical screening for University of Ghana students.

The exercise forms part of a programme to educate the public and create awareness about HIV and AIDS, breast cancer, blood sugar levels, high blood pressure (BP), weight checking and non communicable diseases.

Mr Edward Ampofo, Chief Pharmacist of the Cocoa Clinic in Accra said, the exercise started years ago with the focus on breast Cancer and BP and with the support of the sponsors, “We have added the sugar level checks and the planning to add more.”

He said the exercise was also to increase awareness on the use of medicines safely, and counsel the public about the dangers and effects of not using prescribed medications correctly.

Mr Ampofo said, the misconception of the public that checking ones HIV and AIDS and non communicable diseases status could break the heart and lead to death was not true.

“Even if you are HIV and AID positive, there are drugs that can take care of you to the end of your life and they are affordable as well,” he explained.

He appealed to non-governmental organisations, banks, and other civil society organisations to support the programme in kind or cash in order to expand the process to other areas.**