Samuel Nana‑Bekai Djirackor, the 2024 JoyNews Impact Makers Award winner for Health and Social Welfare, led a six‑day health outreach that brought free medical services to 1,447 residents of the Nabdam District in the Upper East Region.
Through the Haven of Love Children’s Foundation, which he founded and serves as CEO, the team visited the communities of Sakote, Nangodi, Logre, Gundoug/Woredaa and Pelungu. Sponsored by Nabdam Member of Parliament Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane, the initiative offered eye screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, general medical consultations, and NHIS registration and renewal.
In total, 1,447 people received eye screenings, 1,504 had their blood pressure checked, 985 were seen for general medical consultations and 628 were screened for diabetes. The outreach also supported 88 persons with disabilities and booked 199 clients for eye and cataract surgery.
Patience Dunpau B, a resident of Lowry, described the experience: “I have been able to do the eye screening. I’ve been able to visit the doctor for advice and free medication.” She added, “We are really very grateful for it because it’s not easy to get medication for free and even advice.” She also urged organisers to return, noting that many residents were unable to attend.
Optometrist Daniel Mensah of the Regional Hospital, who was part of the team, observed that many residents had little knowledge of their eye conditions and had treated symptoms as normal. He explained, “Some of them see it to be a normal thing.” The team educated residents on eye‑health measures and identified cataract cases that had led to partial blindness, booking affected patients for surgery.
For Djirackor, the outreach is a continuation of the Foundation’s mission to bring healthcare closer to underserved communities. The foundation welcomes partnerships with individuals, MPs, ministers, churches, Muslim groups and other organisations committed to improving access to medical services.
As the six‑day campaign wrapped up, residents reported tangible benefits: a previously ignored eye problem was examined, cataracts were identified and patients were scheduled for surgery, bringing healthcare a little closer to home for Nabdam’s 1,447 residents.
