The Wassa East District Health Directorate received a major boost to its healthcare infrastructure following a significant donation of medical and IT equipment from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The donation, presented at a ceremony in Daboase, includes five vital vaccine refrigerators, ten desktop computers, and two printers. The items are poised to directly address critical challenges in vaccine preservation and digital health record-keeping across the district.
In a heartfelt acceptance speech, the District Director of Health Services Mr. Emmanuel Affelkum outlined the profound impact the donation would have. He revealed that a lack of dedicated vaccine fridges had forced health workers in remote facilities to store vital vaccines in personal refrigerators alongside food and drink, seriously risking their potency.
“This practice not only increases the frequency of opening the fridge but also exposes vaccines to fluctuating temperatures, leading to a loss of potency and compromising the effectiveness of immunisation,” he explained. He added that in other cases, health workers undertake long journeys to collect vaccines for each session, increasing the risk of wastage and delaying timely immunisation for children.
“The provision of five vaccine fridges is a major intervention… In essence, these fridges are not just equipment, they are lifesaving tools that will protect the future of our children,” he stated.
Mr. Affelkum also emphasized the critical role of the computers and printers in advancing the district’s digital health agenda. He noted the equipment would enable facilities to fully utilize national platforms like DHIMS 2 for data management and electronic health records, leading to more efficient and transparent healthcare delivery.
Presenting the items, Elder Helander and the Second Counselor in the Sofokrom Stake, John Ankrah, stated that the gesture was rooted in the church’s commitment to humanitarian service.
“The gospel of Christ is to bring relief to mankind and that service to God is a service to man,” Elder Helander said. He confirmed that humanitarian work is a key priority for the church, motivating their support for the Wassa East District.
The District Chief Executive for Wassa East, Mr. Alhassan Ibrahim, praised the church, describing them as “worthy partners in development.” He assured the church leaders of the Assembly’s commitment to “work hand in hand with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to bring development to the doorstep of the public.”
The ceremony also saw a show of royal support. Nana Effua Ntah Ama Fuah, the Daboase Hemaa, thanked the church for its contribution. In a practical gesture to ensure the equipment reaches its destination, the Queen Mother donated a cash amount of GH¢ 2,000.00 to facilitate the transportation of the items to the various health facilities within the district.
The donation is expected to significantly strengthen the district’s health system, safeguard immunization programs, and enhance data-driven healthcare for all residents.
