The “Your Health Matters” project is a one-year radio health initiative launched by the Visionary Buluk organization in collaboration with Builsa’s in the diaspora. This groundbreaking project aims to enhance the health and well-being of the Builsa South and North districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana, extending its reach beyond these areas. With the participation of special doctors from the Ghana Health Service, the program has become a flagship radio show broadcasted on two prominent local radio stations: Radio Builsa 106.5MHz and Fumbisi Radio 99.7 MHz. Additionally, it is broadcasted through community information centres, ensuring widespread accessibility.

Overview of the Project

“Your Health Matters” invites special doctors each month to discuss a range of vital health topics, providing education, sensitization, and a question-and-answer hotline for the community. The project has garnered a substantial audience, positive reviews, testimonials and active participation from commentators. This comprehensive approach to health education has significantly contributed to the overall well-being of the districts.

Topics Discussed So Far

The project covers a variety of health-related topics, with each month dedicated to a specific area of health. Below is an overview of the topics and the expert speakers who have contributed to the program:

• January: Project Initiation and General Community/Public Health.
• February: Diabetes
  • Speaker: Dr. Dominic Achinkok (B. South) / Akaateba (B. North)
• March: Hypertension
  • Speaker: Dr. Dominic Achinkok
• April: Stroke
  • Speaker: Dr. Prosper Akanbong
• May: Heart Disease
  • Speaker: Dr. Dominic Achinkok
  • Focus on Myocardial Infarction (MI) and cardiac emergencies.
• June: Mental Health
  • Speaker: Dr. Prosper Akanbong
  • Topics include depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
• July: Drug Abuse
  • Speaker: Dr. Dominic Akaateba
  • Covers alcohol, tramadol, hard drugs, energy drinks, etc

August: Disasters

• Speaker: National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) Director
• Focus on floods, fires, tornadoes, earthquakes.

Topics to be covered.

• September: Maternal Health Care
  • Speakers: Midwives
  • Covers antenatal, prenatal, and postpartum care.
• October: Cancer
  • Speaker: Dr. Dominic Achinkok
  • Focus on breast, prostate, and lung cancer.
• November: Hepatitis B and C
  • Speaker: Dr. Dominic Akaateba
• December: Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention
  • Speaker: District Police Inspector
  • Focus on road safety and motor vehicle safety.

Objectives of the Project

The “Your Health Matters” project aims to:

1. Educate: Provide comprehensive health education on various medical conditions and preventive measures.
2. Sensitize: Raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good health and the early detection of diseases.
3. Engage: Facilitate interactive sessions where listeners can ask questions and receive expert advice.
4. Improve Health Outcomes: Reduce the incidence of preventable diseases through education and awareness.
5. Enhance Community Well-being: Promote overall health and safety within the Builsa districts and beyond.

Benefits of the Project

The “Your Health Matters” project has yielded several significant benefits for the community:

• Increased Health Awareness: The regular broadcast of health-related topics has greatly increased the awareness and knowledge of listeners regarding various health issues.
• Enhanced Access to Health Information: By utilizing radio and community information centres, the project ensures that vital health information reaches a wide audience, including those in remote areas.
• Community Engagement: The question-and-answer hotline provides an interactive platform for community members to engage with health professionals directly.
• Positive Health Outcomes: The education and sensitization efforts have led to improved health behaviours and practices among the community members.
• Recognition and Support: The project has received high-profile positive reviews, further solidifying its importance and impact on community health.

Conclusion

“Your Health Matters” stands as a testament to the power of community-driven health education initiatives. Through the Visionary Buluk organization and the support of Builsa’s in the diaspora, the project has made a profound impact on the health and well-being of the Builsa South and North districts. As it continues to grow and evolve, it promises to be a cornerstone of health education and community engagement for years to come.