HIV Testing Support Integrated into Health Screening at Kyebi Easter Homecoming, Eastern Region, Ghana
As part of the second Kyebi Easter Homecoming, Okyenhene (King of Akyem Abuakwa), His Royal Majesty Osagyefuo Nana Amoatia Ofori Panin, with support from the Youth of Kyebi and King Kojo of TAKO God’s Resources Limited, organised a community health screening exercise. At the heart of the event were five critical health services, delivered free of charge; General Health Screening: Baseline wellness checks including blood pressure, pulse, and physical examinations; Hepatitis Screening: Early detection of Hepatitis B and C, addressing a silent but serious health threat; Eye Screening: Visual assessments, complemented by the on-the-spot distribution of free reading glasses by Elucid Ghana; HIV Testing and Counselling: Delivered in partnership with the Society for AIDS in Africa, ensuring confidential testing, professional counselling, and compassionate care; and Blood Glucose Testing: Diabetes risk screening with immediate counselling for participants with elevated readings, all aimed at promoting a healthy community during the Easter festivities.
The Okyenhene Kyeame, Kojo Antwi Boasiako., who served as the lead organizer, opened the exercise with a speech on behalf of His Royal Majesty. He was joined by Sompahene Baffour Kwasi Bankyi and Deputy Organizer Kwasi Twum-Barima Oware for the Kyebi Easter Homecoming Party. In his address, Kojo Antwi Boasiako emphasized that health is a top priority for Osagyefuo, noting that the King is an environmentalist; and considers health as a major concern.
During the first session, Mr. Emmanuel T. Kuadzi read a speech on behalf of Mr. Luc Armand H. Bodea, ICASA Director and SAA Coordinator, and introduced the HIV medical team from Accra. In his speech, Mr. Luc Armand H. Bodea called on the people of Kyebi and all those travelling home for Easter to come forward for their blood pressure checks and glucose tests, adding: “But do not walk away without knowing your HIV status. To the Traditional Council, we say meda ase, thank you for leading by example and for inviting science and tradition to sit at the same table. The Society for AIDS in Africa pledges our full support. Together, the Okyeman and Society for AIDS in Africa will ensure that this Good Friday becomes a day not only of remembrance of Christ Jesus, but of rescue. Let us build a future where every person in the Eastern Region has access to testing, treatment, and hope.”
The Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA) collaborated with GHARNET to deliver the screening exercise.
Statistics of the Screening
| Total Health Screening | HIV Screened cases | Eye Screening |
|---|---|---|
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People from across the Akyem traditional area came to participate. A total of 260 individuals were screened, of which 209 underwent HIV testing voluntary. Among these, seven reactive cases were identified: four were previously unknown, and three were known cases. The medical team provided pre- and post-test counselling, advising participants on how to maintain good health and well-being. All reactive cases were referred to the Kyebi Government Hospital Medical Team, led by Principal Physiotherapist, Jeffrey William Quainoo. SAA’s involvement ensured that HIV testing was conducted with both clinical precision and deep respect for individual dignity, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to stigma-free healthcare.
Kyebi Government Hospital Medical Team, led by Principal Physiotherapist, Jeffrey William Quainoo introducing the Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Hon. Dr. Kingsley Agyemang to SAA Team, from Accra.
Chiefs and community leaders expressed strong satisfaction with the screening exercise and pledged to continue their partnership with the Society for AIDS in Africa (SAA).
Reporting from Kyebi, Eastern Region – Easter Friday, 3 April 2026
