On the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, the Catholic Health Professionals Guild in the Accra Archdiocese paid a visit to the Weija Leprosarium in Accra to honour and share the love of Christ with persons affected by leprosy.
The Guild organized free health screening as part of events to support and cheer up the men and women at the facility.
A total of 26 cured lepers, including family members who care for them, were screened and provided free medication. The exercise included vital assessments, HIV tests, eye screening, breast examinations, and general consultation.
The Health Professionals also presented GH¢ 5,000 to support activities in the Leprosarium.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Campbell, Founder of the Lepers Aid Committee, expressed gratitude to the Guild for the kind gesture.
In his remarks, he said ignorance and fear remained a barrier between society and the cured lepers, and urged the public not to stigmatise persons who have recovered from the disease.
“The greatest problem we have here is the stigma. People are afraid to go near [cured lepers], to touch or talk to them…Each one of them [at the Leprosarium] is cured, and we want to give them the best because they have been treated badly by their families and society,” he said.
The occasion also included a talk on mental health and cleanliness, moderated by Christiana Awuni, a health practitioner at the Obeyeyie Health Center, who emphasised the importance good health and advised the residents to socialize and maintain good relationships with one another.
Apart from the medical services, the Guild organized holy Mass, which was celebrated by Rev. Fr. David Amissah Andoh, Chaplain of the Guild.
In his sermon, Fr. Amissah Andoh commended care providers and encouraged survivors of the disease to feel confident about themselves.
“There is no difference between a leper and someone who is not. We are all the same. Leprosy is a disease that is curable and we need not despise people with the condition. They are also children of God,” he said.
Mr. Edward Ayem, General Secretary of the Catholic Health Professionals Guild, said the visit formed part of the association’s mandate to serve humanity. He commended members of the team, adding that the group will explore other avenues to provide assistance in future.
World Day of the Sick is celebrated annually to raise awareness of the challenges faced by the sick and to advocate for quality health services.
It was established in 1992 during the Papacy of Pope John Paul II, and first celebrated on February 11, 1993. It also marks the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. This year’s celebration was themed: “Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships.” The sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes in southern France serves as a miraculous healing place for the sick.
By: Veronica Sena Amenya//Newswatchgh.com
