SOKODE, Volta Region β A community-based health programme in Sokode is changing the way residents access healthcare by bringing screening services closer to where people live and work.
The initiative, focused on the early detection and management of hypertension and diabetes, is helping residents identify health conditions earlier and connect with medical care before complications develop.
The programme, implemented through the Mater Ecclesiae Hospital, has established a community wellness point near a busy taxi station and trading area in Sokode, allowing drivers, traders and other residents to conveniently check their health status during their daily activities.
Health workers say the approach is designed to remove barriers that often prevent people from seeking medical attention, especially for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which may remain unnoticed for years because symptoms are not always obvious.
According to health officials, the initiative has improved access to routine screening and encouraged more people to take preventive healthcare seriously. By the end of 2025, more than 3,000 adults had been screened, with persons identified as having consistently high blood pressure referred to health facilities for further care.
Taking Healthcare to the People
Medical practitioners involved in the programme explained that bringing screening services directly into the community has helped create a more relaxed environment where residents feel comfortable checking their health.
The initiative gained stronger acceptance after community leaders and local groups supported the programme. Traditional leaders, taxi drivers and residents have played an important role in encouraging others to participate in regular health checks.
Health workers also noted that follow-up support has become a key part of the programme. Dedicated staff members help remind patients about appointments, guide them through referrals and encourage those who may have stopped attending reviews to return for care.
Fighting Silent Diseases
Hypertension and diabetes remain major public health concerns because many people live with these conditions without knowing until serious complications occur.
The Volta Region has intensified efforts to promote awareness, screening and prevention of non-communicable diseases. Health authorities have been encouraging residents to adopt healthier lifestyles and make routine health checks part of their normal activities.
The Sokode programme forms part of broader efforts to strengthen community-level healthcare delivery in Ghana. It is supported through initiatives aimed at improving early diagnosis, access to treatment and the capacity of frontline health workers.
A Model for Community Healthcare
Health experts believe community-based wellness programmes can reduce pressure on hospitals by identifying illnesses earlier and ensuring patients receive timely care.
For residents of Sokode, the message is simple: healthcare does not always have to begin at the hospital. With screening services available within communities, early detection can become easier, faster and more accessible.
As Ghana continues to focus on preventive healthcare, the Sokode experience demonstrates how bringing health services closer to people can help save lives across the Volta Region and beyond.
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