International tech company Yango has marked this year’s breast cancer awareness month with a free breast cancer and general health screening for the over 400 female relatives of partner drivers, couriers and students of the University of Ghana. The screening which took place on Friday, 20th October 2023 was in partnership with Standout Care, a non-profit primary health outfit and social enterprise together with the Jean Nelson Aka Hall of the University of Ghana.

The initiative dubbed “Yango Health Drive” forms part of the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its partner drivers as well as the general public, especially young women. The checks included breast cancer screening, general medical screening, eye care, dental checks and nutritional counseling.

Over 400 beneficiaries took part in the screening activity held in partnership with Standout Care, a health-based non-governmental organization and Jean Nelson Aka Hall of the University of Ghana.

General Manager of Yango Ghana, Mr. Tom Ofonime reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well being of all Yango’s stakeholders. He emphasized the importance of regular checks so that any complications are identified and treated as early detection saves lives.

Mr. Ofonime said, ‘’We strive to ensure that partner drivers, couriers and riders are safe from all pertinent ailments. Regular health screening especially for women should be prioritized. We partnered with the Jean Aka Nelson Hall to organize this particular screening to create more awareness among students. These students happen to be the relatives of the partners, drivers and couriers we work with’’.

Founder and Team Lead at Standout Care, Dr. Patrick Fynn, said: “Yango has shown tremendous interest in women's health by wanting to raise awareness about this condition and this is something we’re very excited about. Indeed, breast cancer is on the rise in Ghana with at least 4000 recorded cases every year.Through our partnership with Yango, we have assembled a team of clinicians and oncology nurses to carry out on-the-spot physical breast examinations including ultrasound scans to detect some of these cases to treat or refer to them appropriately.”

Dr. Fynn encouraged Ghanaians, especially drivers and women to prioritize their health and wellbeing by paying attention to preventive care.

 “Generally, our health-seeking behavior is not optimal. That's why we advise that people should take advantage of such free health screenings. We see Yango doing a lot in terms of community development, I want to commend them for this and many more to come and encourage other corporate institutions to support the delivery of public health care,” he added.

Mrs Apimbila, the wife of a Yango partner driver who took part in the screening exercise said: “my husband works as a Yango partner driver, and this is an opportunity for us to receive free health screenings. Many women are hesitant to visit the hospital and may overlook health concerns until they become severe.”

“These screenings are essential, and this support is valuable and contributes to our well-being, fostering growth. I am grateful to Yango for this initiative that has been opened up to even benefit the relatives of the partner drivers.This initiative demonstrates a commitment to our welfare,” she added.

Another beneficiary, Ms. Emerald Naa Lamptey, a student of the University of Ghana, expressed appreciation to Yango and partners for bringing breast cancer awareness and treatment closer to their doorstep.

“I would like to thank the partners for coming out here because people think they have to pay huge amounts of money for them to be screened but it's free. So I would like to thank the partners, especially Yango and the other partners for the initiative,” she noted.