The Rotaract Club of Accra-East has organised a free prostate cancer screening and mental health sensitisation for Persons with Disability (PWDs) at the Accra Rehabilitation Centre.
In addition, the club also donated assorted items such as face masks, hand sanitisers, detergent, toiletries and groceries to support the PWDs.
The programme was done in collaboration with Rotary Club of Accra-Legon East, Men’s Health Foundation and Psyche Aid Love and Outreach.
Attendees were educated on the importance of living healthy lifestyles and personal hygiene.
They were also sensitised on mental health and were urged to visit the hospital anytime they experience unusual feelings.
The President of the Rotaract Club of Accra-East, Ms Esther Ohenewaa Brown said the gesture formed part of Rotary International’s agenda of reaching out to the vulnerable in society.
She said it was also part of their yearly activities as they had dedicated the month of September to prostate cancer awareness and Accra Rehabilitation Centre was chosen based on a need assessment.
She indicated that a total of 40 people were screened out of the 70 targeted.
“I’m glad for their cooperation and in subsequent years we would revisit them for another project but for now we will take the remaining kits to another area where we can have a lot of people screened to help stem the growth of the disease,” she added.
Ms Brown explained that mental health was one of the sensitive issues in the country which needed to be tackled seriously as people would want to see a pastor for prayers instead of seeking a medical support.
She called on government to intensify public education to help curb mental disorders and also urged Ghanaians to take their health seriously to prevent them from falling ill.
The House Master of the Accra Rehabilitation Centre, Mr William Ohene Ayeh thanked Rotaract Club and its partners for their immense support extended to the Centre.
He said the gesture would go a long way to help meet both the physical and mental needs of the PWDs.
Mr Ayeh outlined some challenges faced by the centre such as feeding, staff accommodation and called on other organisations to support them in that regard.
BY VIVIAN ARTHUR
