The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and KOICA Alumni Association of Ghana (KAAG) have presented medical equipment to enhance service delivery at the Ayikuma CHPS compound in the Greater Accra Region.
The items, valued at about GHC 70,000, included fetal doppler (rechargeable), answer multi monitoring system, atlas surgical pulse oximeter, jactermac pulse oximeter, nebulizer, and crown bathroom scale.
Other essentials in the package were salter baby hanging scale, atlas surgical blood pressure apparatus, delivery set, adjustable medical patient trolley, ultrasound scan machine, hand sanitizers, detergents, and disposable wipes.
At a brief ceremony on Thursday, Mr Donghyun Lee, KOICA Country Director, emphasised theimportance of providing accessible and reliable health services to citizens.
He expressed KOICA's commitment to supporting health
initiatives in Ghana as the Government and stakeholders continued to play crucial roles to improve healthcare outcomes.
"Health is not just a service; it is a lifeline," he said.
Mr Lee commended KAAG and health workers for their dedication to serving residents of Ayikuma and beyond. "You face challenges daily but continue to show commitment, patience and courage...As we move forward, let us continue to work hand-in-hand because when we support healthcare, we support productivity and the future of our communities," he noted.
Rev. Dr Ebenezer Asiamah, the Shai Osudoku District Director of Health Services, said the Ayikuma CHPS compound attracted a high number of clients, serving about 5,000 community members.
There had been a decline in the 559 malaria casesrecorded at the centre last year, as a result of health interventions aimed at reducing the disease nationwide.
Urging community members to prioritise their health needs, Dr. Asiamah commended KOICA and KAAG for the support, and appealed to other well-meaning organisations to offer assistance, including renovation of the CHPS compound.
Mr Ignatius Godfred Dordoe, the District Chief Executive, Shai Osudoku, lauded the contributions of KOICA and partners to development initiatives in the country.
Acknowledging other logistic challenges, he said the government would sustain the CHPS Compound concept, and continue to invest in improved healthcare service delivery.
Ms Lovia Afoakwa, KAAG Prez, explained that the donation was part of the Association's commitment to impact society meaningfully.
"This donation is not just about the equipment; it is about showing solidarity, fostering goodwill and improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Ayikuma," she said.
In an interactive session, Dr Jeff Ofori, KAAG member, encouraged community members to live healthy lifestyles to reduce the risk of diseases like diabetics and hypertension.
He advised against alcohol intake, excess consumption of sugar, salt and fatty foods, and emphasised the importance of moderate and regular exercises.
Nene Nartey Ahujagah III, Chief of Ayikuma, hailed the partnership between KOICA, KAAG and community members, and called for more developmental initiatives.