Typical Ghanaian women, who form 70% of the informal sector, have the penchant of only working either in markets or on the streets to put food on the tables for their family.
These women who contribute a lot to the economy can be found in open markets across the country selling fresh produce, manufactured and imported foods, clothes, shoes, tools, medicines, pots and pans, among others but their health status have not been an issue of importance to them.
These sisters and mothers eat every food and consume every medicine which is made available or offered to them. They do not exercise and hardly will they even visit the health facility for a checkup unless they fall sick and the situation is already chronic.
Some sit under scorching sun, in the rains and unhygienic environments for hours without walking. Some market women sleep in markets with the aim of grabbing the first wears/goods/commodities early at dawn and they have made the markets their place of abode.
It is in line with these and many other reasons that ace and sensational gospel Ghanaian Musician and ‘Physicio and Occupational Therapist’, Philipa Baafi in collaboration with the Ministry of Health is coming out with an outreach free health screening and health talk programme dubbed “How Well Are You?” for these market women and others across the country.
The aim of the screening and health talk is to educate market women on the need to go for regular check due to the nature of their job and also know their health status.
Health screening
The women will be screened on Blood Pressure, Glucose/ Sugar level, malaria and Body Mass Index (BMI) which are noted to be the common ailments among these market women.
These aforementioned also lead to obesity, diabetes, among others, according to medical doctors.
Health talk
The health campaign which is to be done nationwide will also talk to the women on malaria prevention and obesity and is expected to take place at markets and shopping malls once every month.
Selected markets
The Greater Accra Region is first to benefit from such programme and the team from the Ministry of Health and Philipa Baafi Foundation, have selected these markets to benefit from the programme in the next ten months, followed by the other regions: 1. Makola 2. Madina 3.Kasoa 4.Kaneshie 5.Ashaiman 6.Tema Community 1 7.Rawlings Park 8.Agbobloshie 9.Mallam Atta 10.Dome
Shopping malls
Those who trade and patronize malls such as the 1.West Hills Mall 2.Accra Mall 3.Junction Mall 4.Achimota Mall 5.Marina Mall 6.Osu Mall 7.A & C Mall and 8.
Tema will not be left out as the West Hills Mall will be the venue for the launch of the maiden edition on the 26th June, 2017 which is a Monday and a Moslem Holiday.
The Health Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu and his Deputy, Tina Naa Ayeley Mensah will grace the occasion.
Music & dance
As part of entertainment, Philipa Baafi will take centre stage and perform / dance with the patrons. There will also be singing and dancing competition among all the people present.