World Vision Ghana Organises Health Screening for Children in Agotime-Ziope District
Story by: Eric Opoku
More than 1,000 children in the Agotime-Ziope District of the Volta Region have benefited from a comprehensive health screening exercise designed to promote early detection of illnesses and improve access to essential healthcare services.
The screening formed part of World Vision Ghana’s Birthday Bounce Back initiative, an annual event that celebrates the lives of registered children across the district. Guided by the organisation’s core belief that every child deserves the chance to survive, thrive, and reach their full potential, the initiative prioritises the most vulnerable children—those at greatest risk of being excluded from existing health systems.
The programme was organised in partnership with the **Ghana Health Service, Ernest Chemist Limited, The Trust Hospital (Osu), and Pepsodent (Unilever Ghana)**. Ernest Chemist Limited supplied essential medications; The Trust Hospital provided medical equipment and logistics, while Pepsodent contributed toothpaste and toothbrushes to promote oral hygiene.
World Vision Ghana emphasises that no single organisation can transform children’s lives alone. Sustainable change, it believes, is only possible through strategic partnerships that unite the resources, expertise, and commitment of government, the private sector, and civil society.
The exercise targeted children enrolled in World Vision Ghana’s programmes across several communities, where interventions span education, health, nutrition, livelihoods, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Priority was given to children from disadvantaged households, ensuring that vulnerability—not proximity—determined access to care.
Health professionals conducted a wide range of assessments, including growth monitoring (height and weight), malaria, typhoid, and hepatitis B and C testing, as well as blood group identification. Officials noted that the initiative will strengthen early detection of health conditions and equip parents and caregivers with vital knowledge to better support their children’s wellbeing.
Beyond clinical services, the programme created a safe and inclusive environment where children could interact, learn, and feel supported—reflecting World Vision Ghana’s holistic approach to child wellbeing, which recognises that health is inseparable from safety, dignity, and belonging.
Speaking at the event, Eric Opoku Agyarko, Agotime Cluster Programmes Manager for World Vision Ghana, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable children are not overlooked. He stressed that children are not merely beneficiaries of development—they are its very purpose. He added that integrating healthcare with child-friendly engagement nurtures not only physical health but also confidence, social skills, and resilience, ultimately contributing to stronger communities.
Emmanuel Awine Ayamga, District Director of the Ghana Health Service, highlighted the importance of routine screenings in preventing disease and promoting healthy growth. He commended World Vision Ghana’s partnership-driven approach and called for sustained collaboration to build a responsive healthcare system that leaves no child behind.
Mr Ruben Akufo, District Coordinating Director, encouraged children to remain disciplined, focused on education, and committed to healthy lifestyles. He acknowledged the vital role of organisations like World Vision Ghana in complementing government efforts to improve the lives of children and families.
As part of the exercise, children participated in practical sessions on personal hygiene, oral care, menstrual hygiene, and proper handwashing—key preventive measures against common infections. Recreational and educational activities such as group games, dance competitions, Bible recitals, and a read-a-thon added vibrancy to the event.
World Vision Ghana remains steadfast in championing the rights and wellbeing of children, especially the most vulnerable. Through initiatives like Birthday Bounce Back, the organisation continues to demonstrate that when communities, governments, and the private sector unite with a shared focus on children, the impact is both immediate and enduring.