The Sustainable Impact Makers International (SIMI) summit, held in Sunyani from 23 to 25 July 2026, drew more than 1,000 participants and focused on the theme “Health Equity in Action: From Periods to Parenthood, For All.” The event aimed to bridge the gap between awareness of preventive health and actual access to services.
During the three days, SIMI organised over 420 screening encounters across 13 service categories, including breast and prostate screening, and facilitated the registration of more than 500 people for the National Health Insurance Scheme. Approximately 800 secondary school students attended a film screening followed by a facilitated discussion on menstrual health, consent, early marriage and school retention.
Research highlighted in the summit report points to stark disparities: only 10.3% of breast cancers in Ghana are diagnosed at an early stage, compared with the Global Breast Cancer Initiative benchmark of at least 60%. A study of male teachers aged 45 to 60 in Sunyani Municipality found that 95% recognised the benefits of prostate screening, yet 90% had never been screened.
Traditional and religious authorities, whose influence can shape health‑seeking behaviour, remain under‑represented in formal health governance. SIMI addressed this by bringing together residents, health professionals, policymakers, educators, traditional authorities and faith leaders to discuss community priorities and practical responses.
The summit opened with a 5‑kilometre community advocacy walk to bring health equity into public spaces. A policy dialogue then convened statutory, clinical, traditional and faith leadership to discuss community priorities. Participants were encouraged to ask questions, share experiences and contribute to solutions, ensuring that community perspectives shaped discussions on barriers to care.
To enable action, SIMI partnered with the Ghana Health Service, Bono Regional Hospital and other clinical teams to deliver an open‑access screening and health promotion event, alongside health insurance registration. The event also introduced the Sunyani Pledge: 90‑Day Health Equity Challenge, inviting participants to commit to achievable actions within their communities and institutions.
SIMI’s report calls for stronger referral pathways so that screening findings lead to further assessment and appropriate care. By linking community mobilisation with education, services and leadership dialogue, the summit provides a practical foundation for continued partnership and progress toward health equity in the Bono Region and beyond.
