Keta: Seek to Save Foundation, a non-government organisation, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has organised a community-wide health screening for residents of Vodza, a fishing community in the Volta Region. The initiative, held on May 11, 2025, is part of the 'Other Vulnerable Populations' (OVP) project aimed at addressing health challenges in fishing and mining communities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the primary objective of the screening was to reduce the stigma associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and Tuberculosis (TB) by offering free testing and sensitisation of vulnerable groups, particularly fisherfolk. The programme attracted about 200 residents, who were screened for various conditions, including HIV, TB, and general health concerns such as blood pressure and glucose levels.
Health professionals from the Keta Municipal Health Directorate and the Kedzi Health Centre were present to conduct the screenings and provide counselling. Sputum samples were collected from participants for TB diagnosis, with onward referrals to the nearest health centres for further treatment and follow-up care.
Madam Enyam Commend Akpeloo, Project Director of Seek to Save Foundation, shared with Ghana News Agency the significance of the initiative in breaking the cycle of stigma and encouraging early detection. 'Through this outreach, we are not only identifying health issues but also educating the community to embrace those living with HIV and TB. Stigma remains one of our biggest barriers, and we are committed to changing that,' she said.
In addition to the screening activities, participants engaged in educational sessions designed to demystify the myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and TB and to promote acceptance and timely medical intervention. Prior to the Vodza outreach, similar screenings and advocacy workshops were held at Anlo Afiadenyigba, Keta Market, and Adzido under the same OVP project.
Madam Cynthia Delali, a health officer, encouraged the public to embrace personal HIV/AIDS testing. 'Having an HIV test should not be a burden to anyone. Now you can take the test kits and have your personal test at home, and no one will have access to your results. Everyone should begin to have free HIV testing not only to reduce infection rates but also to reduce the level of stigma it comes with,' she stated.
The OVP project is supported by the Ghana HIV and AIDS Network (GHANET) and Stop TB Partnership Ghana, both committed to improving healthcare outcomes among marginalised populations. Organisers have indicated plans to replicate the exercise in other coastal communities across the Municipal in the Volta Region in the coming months.
Participants expressed satisfaction with the exercise, noting that the education they received would help them have periodic tests and continue to educate others to embrace free HIV and TB screenings for a safer community.
