Mr Seidu Abdul Failu, popularly known as “Celebrity Nurse,” has organised a free blood donation and screening exercise for residents of the Ada East District in the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise, which attracted about 100 residents, included HIV, blood sugar and blood pressure tests, weight checks and other basic assessments.
Mr Failu, a health worker at the Ada East District Hospital and an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and other health conditions, said the initiative aimed to bring basic health services closer to residents and encourage them to pay greater attention to their well-being.
He told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that some people only sought medical attention when they became unwell, while others were reluctant to visit health facilities for routine assessments.
“Some people don’t see it as necessary to go to hospitals or health centres for check-ups.” It is something we need to change,” he said.
Mr Failu said the exercise also contributed to efforts to replenish blood stocks, with some participants voluntarily donating blood after undergoing the necessary procedures.
He said early detection could help prevent or better manage some health conditions and urged the public to seek medical attention promptly whenever they experienced symptoms or concerns.
Before the exercise, health personnel educated participants on common illnesses, prevention and healthy practices.
Mr Failu said the exercise had helped identify some previously unknown health concerns among participants, citing a beneficiary who said he had never visited a clinic but was found to have high blood pressure.
Some residents described the initiative as timely, saying its location made it easier for them to access the services.
They also commended the organisers for providing counselling to people who were apprehensive about HIV and blood pressure testing.
The GNA observed that health personnel patiently explained the procedures to participants and offered counselling before conducting the various tests.
