Dr Emmanuel Anim, Founder of Health Enhancement and Access Link (HEAL), has urged Ghanaians to adopt healthy eating habits during the Christmas festivities to prevent lifestyle-related diseases.

He said the festive season was often characterised by excessive consumption of oily, processed, and carbohydrate-heavy foods, which could aggravate conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and anaemia, and advised the public to prioritise their health while celebrating.

“We know December is marked by enjoyment. But then, as much as possible, we should try to reduce our oil intake, reduce processed food intake, and try to stay more on the natural side. Your health should be the priority,” he advised during a community health outreach at Domeabra Amponsahene in the Eastern Region.

It was organised by the Domeabra Traditional Area in collaboration with HEAL and the National Health Insurance Authority.

About 300 residents benefited from health education, free medications, and free National Health Insurance Scheme registration and renewal.

Dr Anim explained that HEAL, established earlier this year, sought to bridge the gap between underserved communities and quality healthcare by bringing essential services directly to people who faced challenges accessing health facilities.

He said activities undertaken included general medical consultations, screening for HIV and Hepatitis B, malaria and pregnancy tests, pre-test counselling, linkage to care, mass deworming, National Health Insurance registration and renewal, and the distribution of folic acid and iodine supplements to adolescent girls.

Dr Anim said the screening revealed cases of urticaria, dermatitis, diarrhoea and anaemia among children, 26 positive malaria cases, hypertensive crises and hyperglycaemia among diabetic patients.

He said many hypertensive and diabetic patients screened had defaulted on their medications due to financial constraints or poor health-seeking behaviour, and stressed the need for regular medical reviews and strict adherence to medication.

Dr Anim said the exercise cost over GHS 30,000 and expressed appreciation to the Domeabra Traditional Authority, volunteer personnel, PowerStar Auto Technic Ltd, Dannex Ayrton Starwin Plc, Das Pharmaceutic and Salina Pharmacy for their support.

He called for government and corporate support to replicate similar health exercises in other communities.

Dr Anim urged the Government to strengthen chronic disease management under the National Health Insurance Scheme, particularly for the elderly, and to revive the folic acid and iodine supplementation programme for adolescent girls, which he said had yielded positive outcomes in the past.

He assured residents that HEAL would work closely with the local health centre and CHIPS compound to follow up on critical cases as the organisation continued its mission of bringing healthcare closer to vulnerable populations.

Nana Adwoa Ohene, the Gyantuahemaa of Domeabra, speaking on behalf of Barima Osahene Dr Twumasi Addo Dankwa I, the Domeabrahene, said the maiden outreach was organised because the traditional authority considered the health of community members a priority.

“You cannot lead or develop a community of sick people. We want our people healthy and alive so they can benefit from the development we are fighting for. If people are sick, weak or dying, development will mean nothing,” she said.

Nana Ohene urged residents to celebrate responsibly during the festive season, observe personal hygiene and safety, and remain vigilant at social gatherings.

“Never leave your drink unattended and always be cautious,” and wished the community a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year,’ she advised.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to HEAL and the traditional authorities, describing the outreach as their first-ever health screening.

“We don’t often go to the hospital for checkups because we did not think it was necessary. This programme has opened our eyes to our health,” said a beneficiary.

Others appealed for the exercise to be made regular and called on the Government to adequately resource the local CHIPS compound with medicines, equipment and personnel to improve healthcare delivery.