The Psychiatric Nurses Training College (PNTC) Health Club has organised a free health screening exercise at Amisano in the Central Region, bringing essential health services, education, and advocacy directly to the community.
The outreach formed part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to preventive healthcare, public education, and youth-led advocacy. Community members were screened for general health conditions, offered HIV testing, and sensitised on climate change and its growing impact on public health.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of the PNTC Health Club, Mr. Samuel Nana Effah Obeng, stressed that access to healthcare should never be treated as a privilege but a fundamental right.
“Many people delay or avoid health checks because of fear, stigma, or lack of access. Today’s screening is about removing those barriers and reminding our people—especially the youth—that knowing your health status is a form of empowerment,” he said.
Mr. Obeng identified HIV as a major public health concern that continues to be fueled by stigma and misinformation. He encouraged residents, particularly young people, to view HIV testing as a responsible and routine part of personal healthcare, rather than something to fear or avoid.
As part of the exercise, free condoms were distributed, alongside education on prevention, responsible decision-making, and the importance of protecting oneself and one’s partner. Health educators used the opportunity to reinforce messages on safe practices, early testing, and seeking professional healthcare support without shame.
Beyond medical screening, the event placed strong emphasis on climate change and the role of the Ghanaian youth. Participants were educated on how climate-related challenges—such as flooding, poor sanitation, heat stress, and water contamination—directly affect health outcomes, including the spread of diseases.
Calling on young people to take leadership in safeguarding both health and the environment, Mr. Obeng noted:
“The youth are not just the future—they are the present. Climate action, healthy lifestyles, and community advocacy must be youth-driven if we are to protect our communities and our health.”
Community members welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful, particularly in underserved areas where access to routine health services remains limited.
The PNTC Health Club reaffirmed its commitment to sustained community outreach, health education, and advocacy, calling on stakeholders, traditional leaders, and institutions to support initiatives that promote early detection, stigma-free healthcare, and active youth participation in climate and health action.
As Ghana works toward stronger public health systems and climate resilience, initiatives like the Amisano screening highlight the importance of access, education, compassion, and collective responsibility in building healthier and more resilient communities.
The free health screening exercise was carried out in partnership with the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG), and NEOREPORTGH. Health professionals from the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital and PPAG provided supervision, testing, counselling, and education, while NEOREPORTGH supported advocacy visibility and public awareness to amplify the health and climate messages beyond the community.
