The screening saw hundreds of people being tested for the eye, dental problems, as well as attending to children, while beneficiaries were also educated on disease prevention. The 70th anniversary celebration is on the theme:  “U.G at 70 Celebrating Excellence, shaping Futures.”

Professor Ebenezer Badoe, Head of Child Health Department, Korle-Bu, speaking at the event said the screening was targeted, especially at children less than five years, and to educate parents to know the early sign of jaundice for treatment as the country was losing a lot of children to the disease.

Professor Badoe said every week, about four to 10 babies visit the emergency ward with significant cases of jaundice.  He said parents need to know that neo-natal jaundice was a preventable cause of death and disability, which could be treated upon early detection. 

Professor Badoe urged parents to report neo-natal jaundice cases to the hospital  early for treatment as the cure was  simple, adding that, child health was important for the future and called on government to invest in the health of children.

“As a country we should make sure all your children under five have good health and also all the basic things for the child’s development are in place,” he added. He advised parents, especially mothers, to keep their babies navel clean after delivery as this could cause infections, which could lead to death.

Mrs Miriam Annan, the Dental Surgeon Assistant (DSA), University of Ghana Dental School, Korle-Bu, also educated the beneficiaries on dental health. She said brushing of the teeth twice daily, especially for children, was important as the mouth was the medium through which children and people get diseases.

For this reason it was important that people take into consideration the type of tooth brush to use as the hard type affects the teeth and gum greatly, she added. Using a soft tooth brush with paste that contains fluoride and calcium to brush day and night is the right way to keep your teeth healthy; adding that, this contained medicinal contents and that it was important people added it to their chewing sponge to protect the mouth and teeth.

She advised them to visit the dentist twice every six months for proper cleaning of their teeth and checks and treatment.  Dr Emmanuel Tsegah, the Principal Medical Officer, U.G College of Health Sciences, said the screening formed part of a month long activities to commemorate the 70th anniversary celebrations and as a way of giving back to society.

He said they decided to organise the screening and the education because they realized that most of the cases that are reported at hospitals could have been prevented.  Dr Tsegah said after the screening people with serious cases would be referred to the Korle-Bu hospital with an identifiable note for further treatments.