Rotary Club Donates Phototherapy Machine to Ussher Hospital

Key Takeaways

• The Rotary Club of Accra Airport Enclave has donated a phototherapy machine to Ussher Hospital to support the treatment of newborns with jaundice.
• The machine is a critical intervention in addressing the high incidence of jaundice-related deaths among newborns at the hospital.
• The donation reflects Rotary's commitment to supporting communities through projects that respond to identified needs and create lasting impact.
• Ussher Hospital has appealed to the public and other organizations to support the facility with more resources to improve the quality of care it provides.

The Rotary Club of Accra Airport Enclave has made a significant contribution to the healthcare sector in Ghana by donating a phototherapy machine to Ussher Hospital. The machine, which is used to treat newborns with jaundice, is a critical intervention in addressing the high incidence of jaundice-related deaths among newborns at the hospital.

The donation is part of the club's efforts to support communities through projects that respond to identified needs and create lasting impact. According to President of the Rotary Club of Accra Airport Enclave for the 2026/2027 year, Joyce Abankwa, the club is committed to supporting communities and making a difference in people's lives.

Background & Context

Jaundice is a common condition affecting newborns, characterized by a yellowing of the skin and eyes. If left untreated, jaundice can lead to serious complications, including brain damage and death. In Ghana, jaundice is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited.

Ussher Hospital, which is one of the major referral hospitals in Accra, has been at the forefront of addressing the issue of jaundice among newborns. The hospital has a dedicated department for maternal and child healthcare services, which provides comprehensive care to pregnant women and newborns.

Key Findings

The Rotary Club's donation of a phototherapy machine to Ussher Hospital is a significant step towards addressing the issue of jaundice among newborns. The machine, which is a critical piece of equipment in the treatment of jaundice, will enable healthcare professionals to provide effective treatment to newborns with the condition.

The donation also reflects Rotary's commitment to supporting communities through projects that respond to identified needs and create lasting impact. According to Joyce Abankwa, the club is open to supporting other priority needs of Ussher Hospital and wants management to identify areas where further assistance may be required.

Broader Implications

The donation of the phototherapy machine to Ussher Hospital has broader implications for the healthcare sector in Ghana. It highlights the need for continued support and investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare services is limited.

The donation also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges. Rotary's commitment to supporting communities through projects that respond to identified needs and create lasting impact is a model that can be replicated in other parts of the country.

Looking Ahead

As Ussher Hospital continues to provide critical healthcare services to the community, continued support will be critical to addressing other needs and strengthening healthcare delivery at the facility. The hospital has appealed to the public and other organizations to support the facility with more resources to improve the quality of care it provides.

The Rotary Club's donation of a phototherapy machine to Ussher Hospital is a significant step towards addressing the issue of jaundice among newborns. It highlights the need for continued support and investment in healthcare infrastructure and underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing healthcare challenges.