Deep in the heart of the Central region, Ekumfie Ekrowfo, a remote rural village, where access to healthcare was once a distant dream, Hope for Future Generations (HFFG) in 2007 made a lasting impact. HFFG, driven by its mission to improve maternal, neonatal and child health, constructed a well-equipped community clinic, transforming the lives of hundreds of women and children across ten cluster communities within the district.
Before the establishment of the Ekrowfo Reproductive Health Centre, pregnant women in Ekrowfo, faced numerous challenges, including long travel distances to the nearest hospital, inadequate skilled birth attendants, and inadequate emergency care, still birth, maternal mortality and inadequate reproductive health services. The clinic has revolutionized maternal health by reducing maternal mortality and morbidity, promoting safe motherhood and safe deliveries, and offering comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care.
The Ekrowfo Reproductive Health Centre became a reality with the support of the Social Development Fund of the French Embassy, Simavi and the US Ambassadors’ small grant to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved regions. The community clinic provides comprehensive maternal, reproductive, and neonatal health services and is recognized and run by the Ghana Health Service. It was also equipped with a food processing center that supported women in making an income for their families.
This health center continues to run with the support of volunteers and Ghana Health Service personnel from the village, contributing to its services and creating a sense of ownership and pride among the residents. A notable volunteer is Ms. Alberta Amonoo who has served as a community volunteer at the clinic for two decades to date. Her remarkable dedication is why the clinic continues to provide accessible health services to pregnant women and newborn babies within the community.
Aside from providing maternal and child health services, the health center conducts reproductive health sensitization through information centers within the community. The volunteers also provide periodic education on healthy living and wellbeing to mothers. The children’s clinic offers pediatric services with outpatient and inpatient care, immunization programs, and nutrition support.
The clinic continues to offer regular child health services including immunization services, and nutritional support have led to a noticeable decline in child morbidity and mortality. Continuous health education programs for parents, adolescents and young people on hygiene, sexual reproductive health, nutrition, and disease prevention have empowered families to take proactive steps in safeguarding their children’s health.
Despite the great strides the healthcare center has made over the past two decades, it requires a revamp of its facilities to improve its provision of quality services for women and children. The support of government and partners are needed to ensure this center is sustained and continues to serve its purpose in the future.
The Ekrowfo Reproductive Health Center stands as a beacon of hope and progress in the region. It is more than just a healthcare facility; it is a symbol of what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared vision. The clinic not only saves lives but also fosters a culture of health and well-being, ensuring that future generations have a brighter and healthier future. Kudo’s to the Executive Director of HFFG Mrs. Cecilia Lodonu Senoo for her dream of bringing primary health care to the door steps of the underserved population.