Mining firm, Anglogold Ashanti is poised to contribute to eliminate the disparities and inequalities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention and access to HIV treatment in Obuasi and its environs.
According to the Social Development and Gender superintendent of AngloGold, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, “Anglogold Ashanti is well aware of the challenges involved in access to quality healthcare by Persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as testing for HIV, hence we have leveraged on the Mini clinic program to get many people tested for HIV”.
The Anglogold Ashanti’s quarterly health outdoor program dubbed ‘Mini clinic’ involves taking healthcare services to the doorsteps of residents and dealing with specific health needs of communities at no cost to them.
The last mini clinic to end this year was held at Ahansonyewodea in the Obuasi East district where thousands of people trooped in to be screened for HIV, hepatitis, toothache and oral health, hypertension, diabetes, eye, and COVID-19.
Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, speaking at the sidelines of the program revealed that the company through its partners AGA Health Foundation, Ghana Health Service and GIZ is keen on ensuring that people have access to quality healthcare irrespective of their location.
“As you are aware, the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day was “Equalize”
This is in sync with our ultimate goal of the mini clinic where we make information on the disease available as well as providing free testing and counselling “.
She revealed that the mini clinic will be extended to other communities next year.
The Obuasi District Health Director, Delphine Gbogblovor said “the mini clinic has so far been impactful, judging from the responses from the beneficiary communities”.
Meanwhile, Nana Amoanimaa Dede II, Adansehemaa berated the youth for their role in the surge in HIV cases.
She said, “most people, especially the youth, engage in unprotected sex leading to rise in HIV cases”.
She however, lauded Anglogold Ashanti for instituting the mini clinic which enables people to have access to free quality health care.
Some beneficiaries spoke to Luv news. one of them, 58-year-old Aunty Serwaa said, “the mini clinic program is very innovative, the outdoor healthcare program has taken away the burden involved in travelling to seek healthcare”.
