KMA, Ghana AIDS Commission Storm Asafo Market With Free Health Screening for World AIDS Day
As part of activities marking this year’s World AIDS Day, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission, on Friday organized a comprehensive free health screening exercise for traders and shoppers at the Asafo Market in Kumasi.
The initiative, led by nurses from the Maternal and Child Health Unit at Pampaso, formed part of a broader national effort to intensify public education on HIV/AIDS prevention, early detection, and healthy living. The team used the busy market setting to reach hundreds of people, many of whom took advantage of the opportunity to check their health status.
During the outreach, the health professionals sensitized the public on the modes of HIV transmission, the importance of safe sexual practices, and the need for regular voluntary testing. They emphasized that early diagnosis remains one of the most effective tools in preventing the spread of HIV and ensuring timely access to treatment.
In addition to the HIV-focused education, the nurses also screened participants for blood sugar levels as part of general wellness checks. Those found with elevated readings received counselling on adopting healthier eating habits, reducing excessive sugar intake, and seeking early medical attention to prevent the onset of diabetes.
Madam Felicia Osei Agyemang, Deputy Director and Gender Desk Officer at the KMA, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to promoting community health across the metropolis. She noted that such outreach programmes play a crucial role in reducing new infections and strengthening public understanding of preventable diseases.
Beneficiaries of the exercise expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the KMA and the Ghana AIDS Commission for the initiative. Many traders and shoppers praised the exercise as timely and impactful, noting that it had provided them with valuable knowledge and the opportunity to assess their health without cost.
Madam Osei Agyemang added that the KMA remains dedicated to working closely with national health institutions to sustain regular education and screening exercises, especially in busy public spaces where many vulnerable groups can be reached.
The event concluded with an appeal for all market operators and members of the public to prioritize their health by undergoing periodic screenings and adopting safer lifestyle practices.
