Prampram Polyclinic Flags Malaria and Gastroenteritis as Major Health Threats During Homowo Screening

Health officials in Prampram have identified malaria and gastroenteritis as the most pressing medical challenges currently facing the community. Speaking during a health initiative organized for the Homowo festival, Cephas Kofi Borklo, a Physician Assistant at the Prampram Polyclinic, noted that the onset of the rainy season has significantly increased malaria cases. Simultaneously, poor sanitation and water supply issues have led to a surge in gastroenteritis, prompting calls for increased public vigilance and preventive care. The health initiative, which included a community health walk and mass screening exercise, was a collaborative effort between the Prampram Traditional Council, the Prampram Polyclinic, and Asa Savings and Loans Limited. Residents who participated were provided with free medical services, including screenings for blood pressure, glucose levels, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Additionally, the event offered specialized maternal and child health services to ensure that the most vulnerable members of the community received necessary attention and education. Beyond medical testing, the program focused heavily on public health education. Mr. Borklo urged residents to prioritize personal hygiene and safe food handling practices to combat the spread of waterborne diseases. He further advised the public to seek immediate medical assistance at the polyclinic or any nearby health facility at the first sign of malaria symptoms, rather than resorting to self-medication. This proactive approach is deemed essential to reducing the severity of outbreaks exacerbated by environmental conditions. Supporting the initiative, Richard Nartey of Asa Savings and Loans Limited emphasized his organization’s commitment to corporate social responsibility through health funding. He suggested that such interventions should not be limited to festival periods but should become regular fixtures to sustain community wellness. This sentiment underscores a growing recognition that long-term health improvements in Prampram will require consistent collaboration between traditional leaders, medical professionals, and private sector stakeholders.