Anglogold Ashanti Addresses Inequalities Holding Back HIV/AIDS Response Through Mini Clinic
Mining firm, Anglogold Ashanti is poised to contribute to eliminate the disparities and inequalities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention and access to HIV treatment in Obuasi and it’s environs.
According to the Social Development and Gender superintendent of AngloGold, Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, Anglogold Ashanti is well aware of the challenges involved in access to quality healthcare by Persons living with HIV/AIDS as well as testing for HIV hence has leveraged on the Mini clinic program to get many people tested for HIV, whiles the presence of doctors will help offer free counselling.
The Anglogold Ashanti’s quarterly health outdoor program dubbed ‘ Mini clinic’ involves taking healthcare services to the doorsteps of residents and dealing with specific health needs of communities at no cost to them.
This time, the Mini clinic train stopped at Ahansonyewodea in the Obuasi East district where 1000s of people trooped in to screened for HIV, hepatitis, toothache and oral health, hypertension, diabetes, eye, COVID-19 among others.
Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei in an interacion with the media at the sidelines of the program said, the company through its partners AGA Htealth Foundation, Ghana Health Service and GIZ is keen on ensuring that people have access to quality healthcare irrespective of their location
” As you are aware the theme for this year’s World AIDS Day was Equalise. This is in sync with our ultimate goal of the mini clinic where we make information on the disease available as well as providing free testing and counselling “
Positive feedback on Mini clinic program
The Social Development and Gender superintendent of AngloGold added that organizers of the program have so far received positive feedback from the communities on the benefits of the mini clinic hence are determined to extend it to other communities.
Use of condom is key in preventing HIV
Nana Amoanimaa Dede II, Adansemaa on her part berated the youth for their role in the surge in HIV cases. She said most people especially the youth engage in unprotected sex leading to rise in HIV cases.
She lauded Anglogold Ashanti for instituting the Mini clinic which enables people to have access to quality health care under no cost to them in their communities.
In a speech read for her, the Obuasi District Health Director, Delphine Gbogblovor said the mini clinic has so far been impacrful judging from the responses from the beneficiary communities.
Mini clinic to the rescue of the poor
Beneficiaries of the program who spoke with the media described the Mini clinic program as very innovative. They said the outdoor healthcare program has taken away the burden involved in travelling to seek healthcare.
