Agona West launches “Vital Life Project” to tackle silent killer diseases

The Agona West Municipal Health Directorate, in partnership with the Agona Swedru branch of Sonotech Medical and Diagnostic Center, has launched the Vital Life Project, an initiative aimed at creating awareness about non-communicable diseases (NCDs), often described as “silent killers.”

The project will train 40 health workers and 20 community health volunteers to lead the campaign across the municipality.

Speaking at the launch in Agona Swedru on Wednesday, the Medical Director of Sonotech, Dr. Grace Buckman, stressed that many people underestimate the dangers of NCDs despite their deadly impact.

She said the campaign would focus on sickle cell disease, diabetes, hypertension, and breast cancer, noting that these conditions often show little or no early symptoms but claim many lives.

“We receive many referrals from hospitals and clinics within our operational areas. It is time we join forces to educate the masses about the dangerous effect of non-communicable diseases. I advise that we check our health status regularly for early detection of these silent killers before the unexpected happens,” Dr. Buckman said.

The Agona West Municipal Health Director, Dr. Joycelyn Maame Esi Darkwa, explained that the collaboration with Sonotech was intended to strengthen public education on the dangers of NCDs and to encourage regular health checks.

“Let us all be ambassadors for the Vital Life Project in our neighborhoods by encouraging our families and friends to be observant and to look out for one another. The disease burden of NCDs is increasing daily, but sadly, many people report to health facilities only when situations worsen. That is why community nurses and health volunteers are being trained to detect such cases,” she said.

Dr. Darkwa added that after the three-month training, community durbars would be organized to highlight prevention strategies and the need to reduce sickle cell, diabetes, hypertension, and breast cancer to the barest minimum. She further advised against harmful lifestyles, urging people to avoid hard drugs and excessive alcohol while embracing healthy meals and regular exercise.

The Regent of Agona Swedru, Nana Kweku Essieni V, who chaired the program, encouraged the public to prioritize regular medical check-ups and support initiatives like the Vital Life Project to safeguard community health.