The Damongo Catholic Diocesan Development Organization (DACADO) has officially commenced a comprehensive free health screening initiative, targeting over 12,000 basic school students and food vendors across 20 schools within the Damongo Diocese aimed towards promoting student health and well-being.
The screening, which began on Monday, October 13, 2025, at St. Theresa’s Catholic School, forms part of DACADO’s three-year Pro-WASH in Schools Project (2025–2028). The project aims to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards, reduce the spread of communicable diseases, and ultimately keep children healthy and in school.
Speaking during the screening, DACADO field officer Miss Samsia Evita Mahama explained that the initiative goes beyond basic screening.
“Our goal is to keep students in school by ensuring they are healthy. We’re testing for conditions such as hepatitis B and vision impairments, and we have nutritionists and lab specialists here assessing the children’s dietary, hepatitis B and general health status,” she said.
The first screening at St. Theresa’s is expected to get about 353 students assessed, with confidential reports handled by medical professionals. Those diagnosed with chronic or critical conditions will receive medical support, including treatment coverage and ongoing care under the program.
Miss Samsia, emphasized the preventative focus of the initiative:
“We believe prevention is better than cure. This is not just about identifying illnesses but it’s about empowering children with knowledge of their health status so they can thrive academically.”
DACADO’s Pro-WASH in Schools Project will gradually reach all selected schools within the diocese over the next three years. After each round of screenings, the team will reassess and select the next school in line.
This initiative comes at a crucial time when health challenges, especially in rural communities, remain a barrier to consistent school attendance. By integrating health and hygiene education into schools, DACADO aims to build a healthier, more informed generation of learners.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
