By Raymond Rex Awiagah
Background
Giving back to society creates a sense of self-belonging and for persons supporting this cause, this is their way of helping the community. In line with Rotary’s global mission to promote health and well-being through community service and humanitarian efforts, the Rotary Club of Accra Airport was at the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics specifically the Adult Sickle Cell Clinic for the humanitarian exercise in line with Rotary’s key areas of focus.
The Project Impact by the Rotary Club of Accra Airport
The Rotary Club has refurbished the male and female wards at the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics and fitted them with some medical equipment.
This is to provide a more comfortable and conducive environment for patients undergoing treatment at the center.
The refurbishment project, which included essential upgrades to infrastructure and amenities, was unveiled alongside a donation of vital pharmaceutical products.
These contributions are expected to bolster the clinic’s capacity to deliver quality healthcare services to individuals affected by sickle cell disease.
Point of view by President of Rotary Club of Accra Airport
At a ceremony in Accra to officially hand over the project to the center, the president of the Rotary Club of Accra Airport Rotarian Peace Akwei said the club commits to supporting initiatives that impact lives.
The Rotary President expressed optimism about the impact of these improvements on patient care and overall health outcomes.
“’ I am particularly honored that we have achieved what we set off to do at the beginning of this Rotary year. Through this initiative, and apart from supporting the Centre, we have been able to educate young children and their parents about what sickle cell means and how to treat colleagues suffering from Sickle Cell anemia”. She said.
Rotarian President Peace Akwei added that “I’m happy that we can help to alleviate the pain of people walking around with Sickle Cells”.
The Appreciation
The Rotarian president expressed her appreciation to club members and corporate sponsors for making the project possible.
They include Ghana Commercial Bank, World Health Organization, SIC-Life, McAdam Design, Distinguished Golfers from Achimota Golf Club, and Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals.
The current state of the facility
The facility now has new window blinds for all the windows, new lights and ceiling fans with POP, and installed 10 Recliner chairs for the comfort of the patients during recovery and treatment. The facility also received 2 new TV sets for both wards, and the walls were painted as well.
The Rotary Club of Accra Airport’s Pledge
The Rotary Club of Accra Airport pledged continuous support to the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics.
Receiving the support
The Director of the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics, Dr. Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma was happy for the support given her outfit. She said the new look is a significant step towards addressing healthcare delivery.
Dr. Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma said the facility was established in 1974 which is 50 years in 2024. It has been a source of hope for more than 28,000 people living with sickle cell disease. “In a year, we have about 10,000-14,000 people visiting this facility”.
She revealed that the facility has not received any major expansion in the last 50 years “ and the Rotary club of Accra Airport being part of our journey is something that is so amazing and needs to be applauded”.
Dr. Amma Benneh-Akwasi Kuma highlighted that the Rotary Club of Accra Airport being part of the sickle cell story in Ghana brings the awareness to a different level “ and once there is awareness, there is education and things like stigmatization comes down”.
The Rotary Factor
The Club Rotary Club of Accra Airport continues to demonstrate its commitment to service above self by actively engaging in projects that make a positive impact on society. Through partnerships and collaborative efforts, Rotary strives to build a healthier and more resilient community. A few more items will be added before the end of the month. With Rotary, they say small projects but have huge impacts.
About Sickle Cell in Ghana
Most of the people living with sickle cell disease are in sub-Saharan Africa and in Ghana, 2% of all newborns will have the disease with 15-30% being careers.
Project Background
- Members of RCAA (Rotary Club of Accra-Airport), other Rotarians, and Friends pledged their support right from the beginning, during the first fundraising held during the Induction of Rotarian President Peace Akwei on 5th July 2023.
- Rotary Club of Accra Airport members as well as other Rotarians, Friends, and Guests also participated in the second Fundraising Cocktail on 5th January 2024:
- Ghana Commercial Bank, World Health Organization, SIC-Life, McAdam Design, Distinguished Golfers from Achimota Golf Club, and Friends made financial support during the Charity Golf Tournament played at the Achimota Golf Course on 4th May 2024. I
- Phyto-Riker (GIHOC) Pharmaceuticals also donated pharmaceutical products for the Project.