The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has reaffirmed its commitment to community service and public health by organising a Medical and One Health Outreach at Anwomaso as part of activities marking its 75th anniversary.
The outreach, led by the University’s College of Health Sciences, brought together healthcare professionals and students from various disciplines to provide free medical screening, consultations, health education and referral services to residents of Anwomaso and neighbouring communities.
Speaking on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Christian Agyare, the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, Professor Francis Kemausuor, said KNUST’s anniversary was not only an opportunity to celebrate its achievements in teaching, research and innovation but also to reaffirm its responsibility to serve society.
“KNUST’s 75-year journey has been defined not only by excellence in teaching, research and innovation, but also by a strong commitment to service,” he said.
He described the outreach as a practical demonstration of the University’s commitment to ensuring that its knowledge and expertise directly improve the lives of surrounding communities.
Professor Kemausuor commended the College of Health Sciences, the planning committee and participating departments for collaborating to organise the outreach, stressing that multidisciplinary partnerships are essential in addressing today’s complex healthcare challenges.
He also thanked traditional authorities, market leaders, community members and development partners for supporting the initiative through logistics, equipment and other resources.
He urged healthcare professionals, students and volunteers to provide services with professionalism, compassion and respect while protecting patient confidentiality and ensuring participants requiring further treatment received appropriate referrals.
He also encouraged residents to make full use of the free services by participating in the health screening exercises and adhering to medical advice after their consultations.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Fred Stephen Sarfo, described the outreach as a practical expression of the University’s commitment to translating knowledge into meaningful community service.
“We are gathered not simply to mark an anniversary, but to demonstrate what 75 years of KNUST should mean in practical terms: knowledge translated into service, professional expertise brought closer to the people, and stronger partnerships between the University and its neighbouring communities,” he said.
Professor Sarfo noted that although the College is committed to training health professionals, advancing research and improving healthcare, those responsibilities must extend beyond lecture halls and hospitals into the communities where people live and work.
He explained that Anwomaso Market was deliberately selected as the venue because markets serve as centres of economic and social activity, making healthcare services more accessible to residents.
Professor Sarfo further highlighted the importance of teamwork in healthcare delivery, saying doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, laboratory professionals, physiotherapists, optometrists, veterinary professionals, public health practitioners and students all have vital roles to play.
“No single profession can meet all the health needs of a community,” he stated.
He encouraged residents to openly discuss their health concerns with healthcare providers and comply with referral recommendations where additional treatment was required.
Professor Sarfo also emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare, noting that many diseases can be prevented or effectively managed through regular health screening, healthy lifestyles and early medical intervention.
He thanked the organising committee, faculty, students, volunteers, traditional leaders, assembly representatives, market leaders and development partners for contributing to the success of the outreach.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Anwomaso, Nana Osei Boah III, the Gyaasehene of Anwomaso, Nana Akwasi Poku, expressed appreciation to KNUST and the College of Health Sciences for bringing the outreach to the community.
He described the initiative as a major contribution to the health and well-being of residents and urged community members to take advantage of the free medical consultations, health screening and education.
“I hope this will not be the only time such a programme is held here. We welcome more of these initiatives in the future to continue supporting the health and well-being of our people,” he said.
