As part of activities to commemorate its 10th Anniversary, the School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS) has organised a comprehensive medical screening exercise for residents of the Apewosika community.

The outreach, held in collaboration with the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, was themed “Promoting Community Health through Collaborative Allied Health Services.” It aimed to enhance preventive healthcare and increase awareness about the importance of regular medical checkups.

Health screening ongoing at the Apewosika park

The exercise brought together several departments within SAHS, each providing its area of expertise. 

Community members including school pupils were screened for a variety of health indicators including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, cholesterol (fats) monitoring, blood group and sickling status, and body composition. Additional services included physical fitness assessments, home exercise demonstrations, basic sonographic screenings, nutrition counseling, and health education talks focusing on disease prevention.

A member of the SAHS Outreach Team Dr. Stephen Anim, , underscored the importance of the initiative as part of the School’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Measuring of a community member's body mass index

Dr. Anim, who is a lecturer at the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, noted that individuals identified with conditions requiring further medical attention would be referred to the UCC Hospital for continued care.

Home exercise session with a community member

“We are thankful for the community’s enthusiastic participation. Our aim is to make these outreach programs a regular engagement to support public health,” Dr. Anim said.

Assemblyman for Apewosika, Mr. Jacob Kakra Ewusie, commended the School for bringing much-needed healthcare services to the community.

Assemblyman for Apewosika, Mr. Jacob Kakra Ewusie,participating in the exercise

He called for stronger and continuous collaboration between the University and local residents to foster mutual development.

The event witnessed a high turnout and was widely appreciated by participants, reinforcing the positive impact of university-led community health initiatives.

Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC