Knoxxi Health Ghana, in collaboration with the Ablekuma North Health Directorate, recently conducted a crucial health initiative at Mallam Market that uncovered alarming health issues among local traders—specifically high blood pressure. Over the course of one month, the health-tech start-up provided free check-ups that benefited at least 1,580 market women. The data revealed that more than 70% of these women have various stages of hypertension, often without any prior awareness of their condition. This initiative highlights the need for accessible and proactive health care, especially for women who play a critical role in their local economies. The health screenings included vital checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and body mass index (BMI), and the findings indicate an urgent need for public health interventions in this community.
The health assessments conducted revealed a startling 71.7% of the participants were identified as having hypertension, categorized into various stages. Specifically, 31.9% had stage one hypertension, 22.9% stage two, and 14.9% were classified as having elevated blood pressure levels. Alarmingly, 2.09% reached crisis stage hypertension, predominantly affecting individuals aged 65 and above, with some cases also noted among younger traders. This disparity between the perceived health of the traders and the actual findings underscores a significant gap in public health awareness and education. Despite previous survey findings showing that 78% of women were confident in their health status, the results from the screenings called into question their understanding and engagement with health care.
Knoxxi Health’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael Amankwa, highlighted the critical need for routine health checks. The initial screenings revealed that many women were reluctant to leave their workstations, fearing financial losses, and displayed a general apathy towards seeking medical care, even when informed of their health risks. After observing these challenges, Knoxxi Health, in collaboration with the Ablekuma North Health Directorate, attempted to mitigate this by bringing medical professionals directly to the market. This measure aimed to provide immediate consultations and create a more accessible healthcare framework for the traders.
Beyond hypertension, blood sugar levels were examined, revealing that over 47% of the women had fasting blood sugar tests indicating possible prediabetic or diabetic conditions. 15% of the women showed similar concerns after meals. While hypertension emerged as a more pressing issue, the potential for diabetes among this demographic also poses serious health implications. Knoxxi Health utilizes technology to facilitate regular monitoring and health education, providing essential insights to clients and notifying them when lifestyle adjustments are necessary. Amankwa affirmed the technology’s role in predicting health issues and assessing treatment efficacy.
Knoxxi Health’s extensive monitoring services are designed to regularly engage with traders through scheduled visits, ensuring ongoing health assessments. The data gathered is utilized to build detailed dashboards for health providers, facilitating personalized care and timely interventions. Such a proactive approach not only empowers medical professionals but also the women themselves, enabling them to better understand their health and act upon it. The successful integration of technology into these health services considerably enhances the ability to catch potential health issues early on.
The success of this model at Mallam Market is prompting Knoxxi Health to expand its services to other markets, such as Madina Market in Accra. Companies are also expressing interest in offering these health solutions to their employees, further demonstrating the growing recognition of the importance of preventive health care. The positive response from traders has been remarkable; many have expressed gratitude for the continuous support they receive from Knoxxi Health and health professionals in managing their health. Knoxxi Health’s innovative approach and emphasis on data-driven care reflect a promising future for health outreach in Ghana, making preventive healthcare not just accessible but also impactful for underserved populations.
