Ghana Minister of Health Commends LDS Charities

Honorable Alex Segbefia, Ghana’s Minister of Health, recognized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its “splendid collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ghana Education Service by providing diabetes screening for many students in Ghana”. The Minister was the keynote speaker for a celebration of World Diabetes Day on November 14, held at Ada Community Center, in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.

LDS Charities, the humanitarian arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints, is working with the Ghana National Diabetes Association to complete a diabetes screening project for students in second cycle schools throughout Ghana.

On the June 12, 2015 the Second Lady of Ghana, Mrs. Matilda Amissah-Arthur launched the diabetes screening project at the Aggrey Memorial secondary school in Cape Coast.  Screening teams are comprised of nurses from the Ministry of Health, as well as trained volunteers from local stakes and districts (similar to a diocese) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The teams conduct free screening, education and counselling in selected second cycle schools throughout Ghana. The goal of this project is to identify youth with diabetes, teach them to manage their disease, as well as reduce future risk by educating students and families.

Students, families, guests and dignitaries enjoyed a cultural celebration performed by young people from villages near Big Ada, as part of the celebration.

Mrs. Elizabeth Esi Denyoh, President of National Diabetes Association - Ghana reported “more than 34,000 people, from 20 villages near Ada have been screened in the past two days”. She reported screening has been done in many second cycle schools in the Central, Greater Accra and Eastern regions. Mrs. Denyoh thanked the Church for their continued support.

Philip Xaxagbe, Ghana Director of Public Affairs for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints told guests “As a church, we believe the strength of a nation depends on its youth, they are the future”.