LABOLABO REPORT

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REPORT ON HEALTH EDUCATION AND SCREENING IN THE VILLAGE OF LABOLABO

IN THE EASTERN REGION ON DECEMBER 30TH, 2016

Introduction

The inhabitants of Labolabo – a fishing and farming community in the Eastern Region, went through a health education and screening program on December 30, 2016 at about 10:30am. The screening was to aid the inhabitants realize their health status with regards to Malaria, BP, Blood Sugar, BMI and its prevention and treatment.

In a discussion with the chief, he was very happy to hear that such a group far away in Accra has thought about them, their environment, their kids and their health. He was happy about the education we gave his community and our generosity towards their children which he beliefs would encourage them to go to school and take education seriously. However his major concerns were;

  1. Education which has gone down in his community amongst the school going age.
  2. Children of school going age engaging in fishing
  3. Increase in teenage pregnancy.

Goal

The goal of the screening was to help the inhabitants know their health status which will translate into an improved standard of living. This as a result will help the community and the nation at large.

Objectives

The screening held seeks to achieve the following:

  • Enlighten the individuals on the need for a healthy living.
  • Teenage pregnancy
  • Make them understand the need to keep their surroundings clean.
  • The various ways by which they can avoid contracting malaria, BP,etc
  • How the inhabitants can handle minor health issues with the use of First Aids and natural remedies.

Participants

517 people were screened out of which 187 were female and 113 were male. The rest constituted 217 children. Though the number was more than 517, time did not permit us to screen those who came in later.

We had 12 cases with malaria, 4 were female and 8 male. They were directed to a clinic in the next town for treatment. A number of High Blood pressure was also recorded and such patients were advice on a living style that will put their BP into the acceptable state. They were also advised to periodically visit the hospital for a BP checkup.

 

Volunteers

The volunteers for the health screening were Nana Kontor, Nana Oduro, Samuel Saka, Obedi Agyei Mensah, Ebenezer Emisah, Frank Obeng, Gyamera Asare, Maxwell Owusu, Michael Asante, Isaac Amoakohene, Bernard, Regina, Akua and Maame. A few of these volunteers are professional health workers and the rest are in other fields of operation.

Participants Expectation

The inhabitants’ expectations at the end of the health screening are;

  • To acquire knowledge about how to address minor health issues
  • To learn new ideas on how to keep their environs clean to avoid diseases
  • To learn about healthy living.
  • The need to have a formal education

Methodology Used

The following Methodologies were used during the screening process;

  • Presentation
  • Discussions and Illustrations
  • Questions and answers

Evaluation

The lessons learnt by the people of Labolabo at the end of the health training/screening are as follows;

  • How to handle their environs to prevent themselves from Malaria and any other related diseases.
  • How to manage minor health issues at home before receiving medical attention at the nearest health center.
  • How to cultivate the habit of a healthy living.
  • The impact of healthy living on their future lives.
  • How an individual can avoid Malaria, High Blood Pressure and other health related issues.

Observation and Recommendation:

It was noticed that most of the children in the community engage in fishing and farming instead of being in school.

It was also noticed that there are lot of unemployed youth in the community which translates into teenage pregnancy.  

We recommend that more of such trainings/screening should be organized for the dwellers. This will help them to remain committed to healthy living and reduce teenage pregnancy.

It was a wonderful moment we had with the people. In as much as they got educated we got educated too, we learnt how they also use traditional means to solve most of their health problems.

We say a big thank you to the chief and elders of Labolabo for welcoming us in their village. And a big thank you to our Board, sponsors and all the volunteers who made this project a success.

Labolabo Photos