Over 430 residents of Yeji-Nchamba and surrounding communities in the Bono East Region have benefitted from the Telecel Ghana Foundation’s HealthFest initiative.

This was held at Nchamba’s Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) premises.

The comprehensive health outreach provided free medical screening, including blood pressure checks, malaria testing, hepatitis B screening, typhoid assessments, and general health evaluations.

Healthfest is an initiative aimed at promoting early detection and preventive care, particularly in underserved communities where access to healthcare remains a challenge due to distance, cost and limited infrastructure.

For some residents, it was their first health screening in years. Mallam Nuru Yahaya, a resident of Yeji-Nchamba, said the outreach was a relief brought to their doorstep.

“We are very grateful to Telecel Foundation for bringing this health screening to our community.

Many of us struggle to travel long distances to access quality healthcare, so this initiative has truly made a difference.”

In communities such as Yeji-Nchamba, accessing quality healthcare often requires travelling long distances, with added transport costs that discourage routine check-ups.

HealthFest seeks to plug that gap by bringing essential services directly to the community, reducing both financial and logistical barriers that prevent early diagnosis and treatment.

Suzana Akudugu, the officer-in-charge at the Nchamba CHPS Compound, said, “This initiative has strengthened our ability to provide primary healthcare services to the community.

"Many residents would otherwise go for months without routine check-ups. Telecel Foundation has made a meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

HealthFest forms part of the Foundation’s Connected Health pillar, which focuses on expanding healthcare access, encouraging preventive care, and increasing enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

As part of the outreach, 359 residents registered, renewed, or replaced their NHIS cards on-site, removing a significant barrier to consistent healthcare access in rural areas.

The on-the-spot registration and renewal process ensured that those diagnosed with health concerns could immediately access follow-up care without delays caused by expired or unavailable insurance coverage.

Rita Agyeiwaa Rockson, Head of Foundation, Sustainability, and External Communications at Telecel Ghana, highlighted the importance of equitable access to healthcare.

“Access to healthcare should never be determined by your location. Through HealthFest, we are bringing essential medical services directly to communities, empowering residents to detect health issues early and take control of their wellbeing.”

Ms Rockson noted that preventive care remains one of the most effective tools in reducing long-term health complications and easing pressure on health facilities.

Through sustainable, community-centred interventions, the Foundation continues to improve healthcare outcomes across Ghana, particularly in areas where residents remain vulnerable to preventable diseases and untreated chronic conditions.

Through initiatives such as HealthFest, Telecel Ghana Foundation continues to extend quality healthcare to remote communities, empowering residents to prioritise their health and wellbeing.