Scoliosis Awareness Screening held at K.C.S: One suspected case recorded in an 8-year-old boy
The event which was slated for June 23, 2017, 9am at the Kanda Cluster of Schools (K.C.S) in Accra was the fourth annual event brought together doctors, nurses and volunteers to screen to detect possible scoliosis amongst children and teenagers.
June is Scoliosis Awareness Month and in an effort to increase the awareness of scoliosis, FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital in conjunction with Scoliosis Foundation Ghana, a non-profit organisation has set the date to increase awareness of the deformity in schools, by screening school children.
Over 200 pupils were screened by our group of nurses and volunteers. The day was commenced with prayer and introduction by the MC, Nana Kwame Osei-Fordjour (Development Manager, FOCOS). Chairman of the occasion, Mr Israel Martei, the Deputy Circuit Supervisor addressed the audience made up of predominately students, teachers, media, organisers and some visiting guests.
Dr Mahmoud, a resident physician and general practitioner at FOCOS Hospital gave a talk about Scoliosis and how the condition if left untreated can cause stigmatization, inability to move and lead a normal life and sometimes even death. He further explained that Scoliosis is the abnormal lateral curvature of the spine and can affect anyone whose family has its history; however, he affirmed that if detected early and treated, it can restore hope to its victims. He added, “parents need to seek medical assistance if they see any sign of a curvature at their ward’s back, especially in teenagers.
Organised by the Scoliosis Foundation Ghana in partnership with the Foundation of Orthopedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS) and Inspired to Rise, an empowerment and educative initiative by TV3’s Wendy Laryea. She said her foundation saw the need to be part of the exercise in order to widen awareness among pupils to be more informed on the subject.
The event climaxed with a quiz and presentation of free children newspapers to the pupils by representatives of Treasure Kids Newspaper with the help of the chairman for the occasion and organizers, preceded by a testimonial by a former patient and current employee of FOCOS, Ms Helena Owiredu.
At the end of the program and screening to detect possible conditions of Scoliosis, organizers and patrons expressed their gratitude for the support and enthusiasm expressed by the students, teachers and staff of Kanda Cluster of Schools. After screening over 221 students, one boy (name withheld) was suspected to be developing scoliosis and was referred to the hospital through the help of his parents or guardian.
The Executive Director of Scoliosis Foundation Ghana, Gabriel Ntow Quao noted victims of scoliosis face a lot of challenges from stigmatization and thanked all the sponsors and partners who helped to make the event a success. “We’re truly grateful for believing in this noble cause and we call on corporate Ghana to open their doors to us and help to give hope to those affected by scoliosis.
