THE SALVATION ARMY
DUAKWA COMMUNITY REHABILITATION CENTRE
ANNUAL REPORT
DUAKWA C.R.P. 2015
CONTENTS
History of the Centre………………………………………………………………………………1
Summary of 2015 Output………………….………………………………………………………2
Health Service Delivery…………………………………………………………………………...3
2015 Outpatient Outputs...………………………………………………………………………...6
Education Output…………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Care and Support for PLHIV…………………………………………………………………… 8
Human Resource for Health………………………………………………………………………10
Staff Capacity……………………………………………………………………………………..11
Health Financing…………………………………………………………………………………..12
Health Information………………………………………………………………………………..13
Health Technologies………………………………………………………………………………13
Community Ownership and Participation…………………………………………………………14
Partnership for Development………………………………………………………………………14
Research for Health………………………………………………………………………………..15
Successes…………………………………………………………………………………………..16
Challenges…………………………………………………………………………………………17
The Way Forward…………………………………………………………………………………18
Acknowledgment & Appreciation………………………………………………………………..18
Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………..19
Appendix …………………………………………………………………………………………19
THE SALVATION ARMY
DUAKWA COMMUNITY REHABILITATION CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT 2015
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CENTRE Since 1922 “The Salvation Army” as an international movement has operated in Ghana and is involved in various sectors of the Social, Medical and Community services. The Rehabilitation Centre situated at Agona Duakwa was established since 1986 by the Salvation Army Ghana Territory through the effort of Major Margret Tucker, a British Missionary and an Officer of the Army as well as the people of Duakwa. The essence was to cater for the marginalized, deprived and more especially children and adults living with disability. Following the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and the emphasis by the UN Secretary - General Ban Ki - moon calling on governments, civil societies and the global community to work alongside persons with disabilities and stating how crucial their participation is to achieve inclusive and sustainable development worldwide, (2nd December,2013 –Ban) the Duakwa Rehabilitation Project in the central region and its management in their quest to deepen its historical records as well as fulfilling these global standards decided, in line of its vision to include all people in the society. Currently, the project is under the direction of Major Heather Craig (Director of Medical, Social and Community Services) whiles Mr. Ato Hayford is the local Administrator (Manager) and is responsible for coordinating all the rehabilitation activities at Agona Duakwa and the Territory.
THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
DUAKWA COMMUNITY REHABILITATION PROJECT MISSION STATEMENT To serve souls and serve suffering humanity by providing rehabilitation to children and young persons with disabilities in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. This we do in fulfillment of the Salvation Army’s philosophy of One Army, One Mission, and One Message.
LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE
The Centre worked on the following goals in the year 2015:
To facilitate the processes of community rehabilitation for children and young persons with disabilities in our catchment areas in Ghana
To improve the integration of children with disabilities via the establishment of mother support group towards social inclusion
To improve the level of independence in daily living skills of our clients through therapy, education and care from our staff
To strengthen collaboration among major stakeholders and partners for better services to the community
To improve evangelism through routine morning devotions for both staff and clients
To improve access to appropriate education for children with cerebral palsy and intellectual
disabilities through professional diagnosis and assessment
SUMMARY OF 2015 OUTPUTS Forty nine (49) new inpatients and one thousand, one hundred and fifteen (1,115) new outpatients with disabilities in our catchment areas and communities were given professional rehabilitation services. Thirty two (32) in-patients were discharged and integrated into their various homes and families after rehabilitation. Fifteen (15) community outreach trips were made to rural communities within the year to improve access to rehabilitation services. These communities were mainly located in the Central, Ashanti and Eastern regions of Ghana. A total of one hundred and nineteen (119) inpatients children mostly less than eight years were provided with daily therapy resulting in improvement in their conditions. Thirty two (32) needy and orphaned children had access to formal basic education within the community. Ninety three (93) people living with HIV/AIDS were organized into a formidable support group. Twelve (12) Monthly meetings were held by the group of which sixty three (63) were actively involved.
Nine five (95) mothers of cerebral palsy children and other related deformities were organized into four (4) support groups. Regular attendance at this meeting was between thirty five (35) to forty (40) members.
The physically challenged mothers support group is currently made up of thirty (30) members. Out of this number, fifteen (15) to twenty (20) were regular at the monthly meeting.
In all four hundred and forty one (441) young persons with various disabilities
received rehabilitation services during the year 2015.
HEALTH SERVICES DELIVERY (In patients with disabilities) - 2015 Outputs
Duakwa C.R.P had an average of fifteen (15) admissions per month. Forty nine admissions were made and thirty two discharged during the year, 2015. One hundred and nineteen (119) children were provided with daily exercises via physiotherapy. Three hundred and sixty parents with children and other individuals with disabilities were given psycho-social counseling to reduce trauma and stigma.
A cerebral palsy child in an adapted A Child with Club feet wearing Dennis
chair on admission Brown Boots on admission
Community Integration Thirty two (32) in- patients were discharged and integrated into their various homes, families and communities after rehabilitation. While at the Centre, the mothers were taken through the daily exercises so as to continue with the process at their various homes leading to total rehabilitation and independence. The mothers were also counseled and sensitized on how to take good care of their children.
Special Events World HIV/AIDS Day - about one hundred and fifty (150) Basic School children, teachers, persons living with HIV, social workers from the Duakwa community rehabilitation project and the general community participated in world HIV Day celebration in Agona Nsaba. There was a route march with brass band and placards to raise awareness on stigma and discrimination among community members.
World Disability Day- the day which fell on 3rd December, 2015, was not celebrated with its usual pageantry and street march. Rather, we did it on a low key note to the benefit of some school children in Duakwa community (Duakwa Methodist Basic). The occasion enabled the CRP staff to interact with the children on their view about disability and how to make way for inclusion of PWDs in schools and communities.
Christmas Party – this happy occasion was held on 18th December, 2015, in the premises of the CRP for PLHIV, the orphaned and the vulnerable children and not forgetting the mother support groups. The patronage was very high as many clients came from far and near. The occasion wouldn’t have been complete without the presence of the Duakwa Salvation Army Band which dished out both local and foreign Christmas carols to the dancing feet of the mothers and the children. Motivational speeches were intermittently delivered by the staff of CRP and the mothers themselves. Also in attendance were three (3) Norway volunteers. Food and drinks were later served. At the end of the day, each attendee was given a package consisting of rice, cooking oil, canned fish and biscuits in addition to transport fares for their various destinations.
Memorable footage from the Annual Christmas Party
Evangelism and Church Activities Morning devotions played a vital role in the activities of Duakwa C.R.P. during the year under review. Some of the daily morning devotion activities included bible reading, prayers, singing, motivational and spiritual messages. Mothers on admission and clients also went through similar devotion before the start of the day’s activities at the Centre.
2015 OUT PATIENT’S OUTPUTS Three hundred and nineteen (319) new children had access to rehabilitation services due to well planned community awareness creation on disability issues. Some of the topics during the programme included: Possible causes of disabilities How to avoid some of the disabilities Early intervention strategies Discrimination and stigmatization Social inclusion of PWDs The potentials of PWDs The importance of mother support group and education on HIV
The CRP carried out community outreach in the following communities:
Wiamoase and its surroundings in the Ashanti Region. Ofoase, Banka, Ekorso/Akenteng and their catchment areas in the Eastern Region. Baah, Bobikuma and other communities in Agona East District in the Central Region. Fifty (50) consultations for children and Adults with disabilities were made at Wiamoase in collaboration with the health Centre officials as well as the other communities. Most of the cases at wiamoase had to do with Epilepsy. In view of this, drugs were administered and counseling offered to clients to help them cope with their conditions. There were three (3) outreaches from Duakwa to Wiamoase in particular during 2015. Each visit lasted one week to enable full coverage of clients. A total of forty two (42) cases were received and treated at Wiamoase during the year. One thousand, one hundred and fifteen (1,115) consultations were made to both children and adults for improvement in the quality of their lives.
EDUCATION – OUTPUTS FOR 2015 There are persons with disabilities with various challenges in the following institutions who are being sponsored by Duakwa C.R.P to realize their dreams in life. The Centre assisted the following under listed by paying their school fees, buying of learning materials, buying of personal effects, provision of vocational tools, renting of shops for those doing their own businesses, buying of routine drugs, provision of assistive devices, payment of transport and travel for clients and furthermore, payment for surgeries and other medical bills for needy and vulnerable clients.
Orphaned & Needy Children – Duakwa 32 Kibi school for Hearing Impaired Children 20 Dzowulu School for special needs 2 Koforidua School for the Deaf 8
Mampong School for the Deaf 1
Mephiboshet Rehab. Centre (CP) - Apam 4
Begoro Rehabilitation Centre - (CP) 2
Kwame Nkrumah University (KNUST) 1
University of Education, Kumasi Campus 1 Akropong School for the Blind 25 Mampong Secondary Technical for the Deaf 4 Akuapeman Secondary School 25 Presby College of Education 2 Vocational Training 10 Adidome Secondary School 1 Total number of sponsored clients 138
CARE AND SUPPORT FOR PLHIV At the close of the year under review, Duakwa C.R.P via its clinical and social staff had registered ninety three (3) cases of PLHIV in the catchment areas of which sixty three are active members. All sixty three clients continue to receive monthly nutritional support to improve their dietary status and are still on Anti- Retroviral Treatment (ART) from various sentinel areas. Health education and psychosocial counseling were some of the interventions the group members benefited. Resource persons such as psychologists, social workers, senior nurses and health educators from both the CRP and outside were invited to educate and give motivational talks to members. The support group has an income generation activity. They give out plastic chairs, mattresses and canopies for hiring to the public. This activity has impacted positively on the lives of the members since the proceeds are used to support their welfare.
Monthly Support Group Meetings
The year under review registered two (2) more support groups. They are mothers of Intellectually
Disabled and Physically Challenged children in our catchment areas.
In all twelve (12) monthly meetings were held during the year. The purpose of the group is to allow members to periodically socialize, share experiences, get empowered through education and motivation in order to reduce stigma, discrimination and trauma they go through. During meetings resource persons were invited from various agencies to talk on topical issues in disability to the groups. This however has gone a long way to enhance their living conditions at home and within the communities.
A cross sessions of the mothers’ support group A client using the new ramp way
Accessibility/ Congenial Environment Access to our facility has been greatly improved during the year. About 400 metres access ramp which was built about 20 years ago was renovated by management to improve movement of clients who patronize our services. It has also enhanced the movement for abled bodied who access the polyclinic too.
Mass Ear And Eye Screening Exercises For Pupils In Selected Basic School About 600 school children in the basic school level had their ears and eyes screened. The impact of the screening was very great since most of the kids had their first experience in testing their hearing ability and visual acuity. Out of the total number, 105 were referred to Korle-Bu and Speech and Hearing Centre at the University of Education, Winneba for further diagnosis and subsequent treatment. Plans are far advanced to procure the necessary medications prescribed for the kids whose parents cannot afford to buy for them to repair their hearing challenges at home and in school.
Ear and eye screening session in selected schools (Duakwa Methodist Basic School)
Speech and Hearing Centre (Winneba) One hundred and fifty clients, mainly children were mobilized and taken to the Speech and Hearing Centre during the year for assessment. Some of the clients had hearing difficulties, others with speech difficulties and a few other clients with both. The clients were always accompanied by an officer from the social work office to assist clients though the processes.
Community Volunteers Some volunteers numbering three (3) were identified in the communities and added to the existing team. The communities were Teacher Okai, Nkumkum and Asasekwaa, all in the Agona East District. This became possible as result of community sensitization carried out. These volunteers helped in identifying clients who can benefit from the services of the community rehabilitation project
Surgeries
Five (5) cases were referred to the Korle-Bu Teaching and Dzodze Hospitals for surgeries. They were all successful and brought smiles to the faces of mothers and family members.
So far there are fifteen (15) outstanding cases pending and being worked on. The main challenge has been inadequate number of specialized hospitals in Ghana. Also there is much pressure and load of work on the few existing health facilities we deal with. Every effort is being made to normalize the situation in 2016.
A child with a hydrocephalus condition: before and after surgery
Follow up visits A total of two hundred (200) visits have been made to clients during the year. Some were follow up visits while others were social enquiry visits into the background of clients so as to determine the kind of support to give them. The essence of the follow-up visits were to monitor the progress and development of the clients as well as keeping records, find out their challenges if any and how best to address them and to encourage them to support their children. For clients who are in school, the visits enable CRP to monitor their progress in their academic work and social life to ascertain their full inclusion in society.
Community/School Education
Sensitizations were held in some communities and basic schools within the catchment areas. Some of the beneficiary communities were Teacher Okai, Jacob, Mensakrom, Duakwa, Nsaba, Akokwasan,
Duotu and Namanwura. The schools involved were Mensakrom Methodist Basic, Seth Okai D/C Primary, Duakwa Methodist
Basic and The Salvation Army Basic. The topics discussed during these visits included “disability issues in our communities and the dangers of HIV/AIDS”.
Rehabilitation Officers educating school children and community members on Disability and HIV
HUMAN RESOURCES: The following were at post to work as staff for C.R.P during the year under review – 2015. The Centre Administrator – Professional Social / Rehabilitation Worker 1 Guidance and Counseling / Social /Rehabilitation Worker 1 Social Worker 2 Field Workers 1 Physiotherapy Assistant 3 Enrolled Nurses 1 Accountant 1 Private Secretary 1 Orthopedic Shoemaking Technician 2 Technician Assistants
4 Orthopedic shoemaking Trainees
2 Drivers
1 Leading Launderer 2 Labourers 1 Security Guard 1 Associate Teacher
New Staff/Postings: 1. Mr. Robert Austin Kofie - Psychologist 2. Mr. Anthony Kodjo Mensah - Health Educator/Rehab. Officer 3. Ms. Lilian Serwaa Boateng – Nurse Assiatant 4. Ms. Dorcas Boatemaa Adjei - Psychiatric Nurse 5. Mr. Richard Ewusi - Technical Assistant Orthotics 6. Mr. Isaac Akomaning - Technical Assistant Orthotics 7. Mr. Edward Acquah - Technical Assistant Orthotics 8. Mr. Collins Annin - Technical Assistant Orthotics
Volunteers: During the year, the Centre was fortunate to receive one (1) volunteer from Holland and three (3) others from Norway. 1. Mrs. Marieke Runia-Wassing – Physiotherapist (Holland) 2. Ms. Kristine Hole Holme – Social Work (Norway) 3. Ms. Matilda Bang– Social Work (Norway) 4. Mr. Simon Kristiansen Larsen – Social Work (Norway)
National Service Personnel: Two national service persons were posted to the facility from Kwame Nkrumah University of technology and University of Education, Winneba respectively. 1. Ms.Linda Mantey – Social Work
2. Ms. Sedinam Peace Kuwornu - Rehabilitation and Disability Work
Staff Capacity Building: 4 Day Annual Conference for SWEB/SLF Contact Persons in Ghana at Koforidua for Annual Evaluation of SLF Activities in Ghana 2 Day cadets’ seminar at Salvation Army officer training college in Tema on the role of CRP in - TSA 2 Day workshop/seminar for stakeholders in CRP – held at Ntiamoah Hotel in Swedru 3 Day workshop on Human Resource Management for all administrators at Koforidua 2 Day in- service training for SWEB/S.L.F. communication team in Accra 2 Week course in Health Management and Health Systems Analysis at GIMPA for selected administrators 3 Day workshop on Finance and Self-reliance by the Salvation Army IHQ - Accra for Administrators and Accountants in all Salvation Army Facilities in Ghana 2 Day workshop on 5 year strategic planning for the Salvation Army 2016-2020 at Koforidua for medical social and education departments in TSA- Ghana 1 Day in-service training on new trends in CBR works for Community Rehabilitation Personnel by management for all CBR staff
Staff capacity building
HEALTH FINANCING . Funding for Duakwa Rehabilitation Centre for 2015 came from various sources as follows. . Norway Territory – The Salvation Army . Bread for the World – Germany . SWEB / S.L.F – Ghana & Holland . Lupina’s Biakoye Club – Germany . Major Margret Tucker (Rtd) and her corps in the U.K . Agona East District Assembly . The Salvation Army – Ghana Territory . Private individuals and churches, and visiting volunteers . Patients’ contributions and Fees charged . Donations from 3 Norway Volunteers – Matilda, Simon and Kristine . Donations from Mrs. Marieke Runia-Wassing - Holland Volunteer Details of finances are available at the Accounts Dept. of T.H.Q – Accra.
HEALTH INFORMATION Information in respect of activities by C.R.P is prepared by all unit heads monthly to the schedule officer or staff. It is then collated and compiled by the Administrator and dispatched to the appropriate quarters. These are information from all sectors of the Centre. Six-month reports are also submitted to our co-donors Bread for the World and SWEB/S.L.F through the Director of Medical Social and Community Services. Copies of such information are saved or kept on files. The Centre made sure it was prudent in the use of funds released for its activities during the year under review.
HEALTH ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY The Duakwa C.R.P runs an orthopedic shoemaking unit, which produces various assistive devices and other equipment that enhances mobility of disabled children who access these services. Predominant among these aids were special corrective boots, chairs, splints, crutches, calipers, Knee caps media inserts and walkers. These items were prescribed by a visiting physiotherapist assistant in consultation with other clinical staff. In addition, carpentry technicians provided assistive devices like special chairs and aids to numerous clients in various communities. During the year under review, ten (10) types of assistive devices were produced to meet the needs of clients. The output of all these devices totaled five
hundred and eighty seven (587).
Some of the Assistive devices from the Orthopedic workshop
COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION The involvement of the community in running the Duakwa Centre has been very encouraging especially 2015 which is being reviewed. The Centre has a Community Rehabilitation Advisory Committee Comprising of selected opinion leaders, the Mankrado of Duakwa the corps officer and other key community members. Their mandate is to meet every quarter to assess the Centre’s performance and advice where necessary. In addition to this, community volunteers who assist the Centre in identification, assessment, and doing follow -up visits to our client have been of help during the year 2015. They attend monthly meetings with their reports and are motivated by the Centre since their work is purely voluntarily.
PARTNERSHIP FOR HEALTH DEVELOPMENT
The CRP recognizes the valuable contributions of its stakeholders in the rehabilitation process and for that matter, collaborated with the following individuals, organizations and sectors to achieve its set goals for the year under review:
The Special Education Department and the Audiology unit of University of Education Winneba played a complementary role in respect of sending their assessment team to work on our children at the Salvation Army School for the Deaf at Agona Swedru during the year under review. In addition, the University continues to post interns to the Centre to help our clients. The Ghana Health Services via its Agona West and East District hospitals were of immense help to our PLHIV and other related health conditions. There were many referrals to improve the health status of patients who go there for health care. The Centre enjoyed great support from the Biakoye Group based in Germany under the leadership of Ms. Lupina Karl and Marcel Russ both volunteers who came to help C.R.P some years back. They provided periodic funding for specific need of the Centre. The Duakwa Polyclinic our immediate and closest partner facilitated the process in rehabilitating most of our children. Dr. Adomako and Dr. Nyarko and the staff made various referrals to the rehabilitation Centre. Most of the cases referred involved patients who needed physiotherapy, special care and rehabilitation. Collaboration between the Centre and Ghana Education Service in Agona East District was strengthened during the year 2015. The Centre enjoyed support in the area of referrals from the Special Education Unit Coordinator who helped in mobilizing school kids for screening in schools. Parents and caregivers also constituted a major component of our partners. This partnership resulted in the establishment of four (4) strong support groups one for mothers with cerebral palsy children and children with intellectual challenges. They meet to socialize and share experiences. Major partners in our work where most of our children who needed specialized services were sent included Nsawam Orthopedic Centre, Battor and Dzodze Hospitals,Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals. The chiefs and traditional leaders of Agona Duakwa. The Disabled People’s Organizations. Social Welfare and Community Development Department Agricultural Extension on C.B.R. CAMFED, Young and Lonely Foundation and Darlings -Agona west
RESEARCH FOR HEALTH With support from S.L.F Holland, based organization championing the cause of disabled children in collaboration with our Centre undertook a research on the impact of support to beneficiaries in Ghana, especially those who passed through our Centre in Duakwa. Questionnaires were administrated on selected beneficiaries in our catchment areas. It became known at the end of the research that about 70% of beneficiaries were living independent lives for the past ten years. At least our Centre recorded three of our children who had made it to the University level in their areas of interest. One was doing a discipline in languages at University of Education Winneba and other two in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi.
SOME MILESTONES CHALKED The year under review saw the recruitment of some four (4) key professional staff to enhance our staffing capacity. They are as follows: 1. Mr. Robert Austin kofie - Psychologist 2. Mr. Anthony Kodjo Mensah - Health Educator/Rehab. Officer 3. Ms. Lilian Serwaa Boateng - Nurse Assistant 4. Ms. Dorcas Boatemaa Adjei - Mental Health Nurse
In addition to these were the following members of staff that were mechanized by the controller and Accountant General: 1. Mr. Anthony Kodjo Mensah - Health Educator/Rehab. Officer
2. Mr. Richard Ewusi - Technical Assistant Orthotics
3. Mr. Isaac Akomaning - Technical Assistant Orthotics
4. Ms. Lilian Serwaa Boateng - Nurse Assistant
5. Mr. Edward Acquah - Technical Assistant Orthotics
This financial intervention has saved the project in increasing its local income generation activities. Another major achievement chalked during 2015 is the approval of our proposal to construct a multi-purpose Centre for Cerebral Palsy children in Ghana and a three (3) year institutional support for C.R.P by the international headquarters of the Salvation Army-London. This support is immensely going to improve the services of C.R.P in the years ahead. We are all grateful to God for this unprecedented assistance. Four (4) of our orthotics technicians were registered under the Allied Health Practitioners Association of Ghana and this is gradually signaling official recognition of some of our services to the public and other rehabilitation and disability oriented practitioners in Ghana. Our partnership with University of Education, Winneba got further strengthened when the Centre in conjunction with the Audio Assessment Team screened about six hundred (600) selected basic school pupils in both Agona West and East districts .This exercise yielded much positive response. One member of staff graduated with Diploma in Community Based Rehabilitation and Disability Studies at the University of Education, Winneba during the year under review. One major achievement during 2015 is the Centre’s ability to strengthen its relationship with Disabled people’s Organizations and other Civil Society Organizations in the implementation of our CBR programmes in our catchment areas bringing smiles to the faces of our numerous clients.
SOME CHALLENGES Pressure on our referral sites (specialized hospitals) for major surgeries in 2015 recorded many children due for surgery on the waiting list. This was as a result of the inability of some medical teams to come down to Ghana for routine work. Lack of some required professional staff and inadequate funding was a major challenge. The year 2015 saw the end of Norway’s four (4) year funding for C.R.P. Though there was funding, it met only about 50% of our budget. Key professional staff was not available. The inability of the NHIS to cover some of our services in the area of orthotics and other assistive devices from our Centre made our work difficult in terms of income generation. Lack of co-operation from some of our major stakeholders nearly had adverse effect on our activities during the year. A typical instance is the Department of social Welfare’s lukewarm attitude towards the implementation of 2% DACF for PWD’s in the district. Inadequate strategies for resources mobilization towards sustainability was a big challenge. Management could not do much in raising local resources to help sustain the Centre even though much in-service training had been given. Lack of congenial office accommodation for both staff and clients is a problem. 2015 saw most of our staff cramped in one office making effective work impossible.
THE WAY FORWARD IN 2016 FOR C.R.P To establish a well-constructed and finished ultra-modern Centre for children with special needs, especially cerebral palsy kids that will meet their health, social and psychological needs within their communities. To recruit additional key professionals who would strengthen the staffing capacity of the Centre and also render quality service to our clientile. To inculcate basic Christian principles in line with the Salvation Army’s Mission Statement in both staff and clients thereby meeting the needs of the poor and the vulnerable spiritually, physically and socio-economically. To enhance and strengthen the existing cordial relationship with all stakeholders for effective and collaborative services delivery. To increase the local income base of the Centre through resources mobilization to help sustain
the Centre.
To establish two more viable support groups towards socio-economic empowerment of
mothers with special needs.
To strengthen the CBR work at wiamoase towards social inclusion of children with special
needs in the catchment area.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS AND APPRECIATION As the year 2015 closes management wishes to convey its heartfelt appreciation to all individuals, agencies and stakeholders who played various roles in making C.R.P’s dreams come true. Though there are more to do in the coming year with your support and assistance, the Centre could not have accomplished its cherished goals without you. We therefore recognize the following: The leadership of the Salvation Army Ghana The Director of Medical Social and Community Services – TSA T.H.Q staff and all other friends of the Centre.
Bread for the World –Germany
Norway, Iceland and Faroe Territory of Salvation Army SWEB Foundation Ghana and Lillian Fords Holland Biakoye club in Germany Major (Rtd) Margaret Tucker and La U.K. based corps All expatriate volunteers
The picture depicts one of the DMSCS routine visits during the year
CONCLUSION
On behalf of staff and management of Duakwa C.R.P, we wish to acknowledge the inputs of all who have in diverse ways helped us achieve most of our set goals in 2015. Our deepest appreciation goes to the almighty God who in his mercy and grace granted us wisdom and strength to work towards bringing smiles to the faces of our numerous clients across the length and breadth of the country. We are very grateful to you all hoping 2016 would be a year of more collaboration.
APPENDIX
MONTHLY CONSULTATIONS AND REHABILITATION SERVICES IN 2015 AS COMPARED WITH 2014
TYPES OF JANUAY FEB MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPT OCT NOV DEC DISABILITY NEW - NEW- NEW - NEW- NEW- NEW- NEW OLD NEW OLD NEW – NEW OLD NEW NEW - OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD OLD Epilepsy 5 7 9 7 12 6 6 6 6 7 10 5 11 6 4 14 7 5 10 6 2 16 6 6 Convulsion 5 9 4 16 2 6 7 4 8 3 2 6 5 4 3 4 3 4 4 1 3 4 3 - Cerebral palsy 2 7 4 12 3 1 4 1 5 6 2 6 3 10 2 7 - 5 3 - 5 10 - - Speech & 3 - 1 3 - - - - 1 - - 1 ------1 1 - - Hearing Impaired Club Feet 3 3 - 1 1 - - - - 1 3 3 - 4 3 ------9 2 - Bow Leg 2 1 - 1 2 2 2 2 - 2 1 - - 2 2 1 1 1 - - 1 - 1 4 Knock Knee 1 - 3 5 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 - 1 2 - - 1 1 1 3 1 4 Down - - 2 - 1 - 2 ------Syndrome Hydrocephalus 1 2 1 - - 1 1 1 - - - - - 1 1 - - - - 1 - 1 - - Speech 4 - 1 - - - 2 ------2 1 1 - Impaired All Other 22 31 26 14 19 13 22 28 17 15 28 12 20 16 24 11 16 28 23 15 12 27 12 17 Disabilities TOTAL 48 60 51 59 41 30 47 43 38 35 47 34 40 43 40 39 27 43 41 24 27 72 26 31
The table in figure 1 is a general over view of reported cases for different disabilities in each month in 2015 compared with 2014.
Figure: 1
ANNUAL STATISTICS OF CONSULTATIONS IN 2014 AS COMPARED WITH 2015
MONTH TYPES OF 2014 - REPORTED 2015 - REPORTED TOTAL DISABILITY CASES CASES JAN – DEC. Epilepsy 91 88 179 JAN – DEC. Convulsion 61 49 110 JAN – DEC. Cerebral palsy 65 38 103 JAN – DEC. Hearing Impaired 3 5 8
JAN – DEC. Club Feet 43 9 52 JAN – DEC. Bow Leg 16 12 28 JAN – DEC. Knock Knee 18 12 30 JAN – DEC. Hydrocephalus 7 5 5 JAN – DEC. Down Syndrome - 4 4 JAN – DEC. Speech Impaired - 10 10 JAN – DEC. All Other Disabilities 199 469 668 JAN – DEC. TOTAL 503 701 1204 Figure: 2
Figure: 3
Generally, the year 2015 was quite difficult and challenging for the entire country due to the depreciation of the Ghanaian Cedi against the major currencies in the country, drastic cut in electricity supply and embargo on employment. Consequently, economic activities slowed down thereby affecting every sphere of life of individuals, industries and institutions of which CRP was no exception. Although CRP did managed resources available at its disposal, the increasing number of clients who needed support as compare to the resources available was over whelming.
From Figure 2, it was evident that cases of Epilepsy and Convulsion any sharp decline in 2015 as compared to 2014. As a result, management is considering as part of its agenda for 2016 to embark on increased community awareness creation and educate clients to better manage the condition. In addition, cerebral palsy as a disability continues to form the integral part of the whole rehabilitation services CRP provides because of the increasing number of children who report to the facility and are affected by the condition. Also, t prime focus of Project is basically to rehabilitate children and young adults with disabilities. The increasing number of mothers with cerebral palsy children who seek for services from the Centre places huge responsibilities and pressure on management, especially in the face of inadequate hostel facilities and other logistical and human resources. In the face of the challenges, the facility managed to record seven hundred and one (701) reported cases in 2015 as against five hundred and three (503) in the previous year as indicated in Figure 2.
It is the hope of management and staff that the Project will receive a facelift when the Ultra-Modern Cerebral Palsy Centre is completed.
ANNUAL STATISTICS OF ORTHOPEDIC WORKSHOP- 2015
MONTH NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF GENERAL NO. OF NO. OF NO. OF ORTHOPEDI SPLINTS MEDIAL ADAPTED CALIPERS KNEE REPAIRS CRUTCHES WALKERS WHEEL C BOOTS PRODUCE INSERT CHAIRS PRODUCED CAPS FOR THE PRODUCE PRODUCE CHAIRS PRODUCED D PRODUCE MONTH D D DISTRIBUTE D D January 10 8 3 8 5 4 5 2 - 1 February 11 15 4 4 4 4 5 4 3 - March 9 8 10 5 4 6 1 - - - April 9 6 8 5 3 5 3 2 1 - May 9 6 7 4 6 8 2 - - - June 7 17 - 3 4 8 - 4 1 - July 11 17 9 6 10 12 2 1 - - August 6 27 4 7 6 8 3 - 6 - September 11 5 3 9 1 3 2 - - - October 15 4 5 5 8 8 1 4 1 - November 6 14 10 7 4 6 2 4 - - December 7 8 5 4 4 8 3 2 2 -
TOTAL 111 135 68 67 59 80 29 23 14 1
Figure: 4
ANNUAL STATISTICS OF ORTHOPEDIC WORKSHOP IN 2015 AS COMPARED WITH 2014 (30) Figure: 5
MONTH TYPE OF DEVICES PRODUCED TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER PRODUCED IN PRODUCED IN 2015 PRODUCED, 2014 2014 and 2015
JAN – DEC. ORTHOPEDIC BOOTS 115 111 226
JAN – DEC. SPLINTS 174 135 309
JAN – DEC. MEDIA INSERT 74 68 142
JAN – DEC. ADAPTED CHAIRS 58 67 117
JAN – DEC. CALIPERS 58 59 117
JAN – DEC. KNEE CAPS 67 80 147
JAN – DEC. GENERAL REPAIRS FOR 34 29 63 THE YEAR
JAN – DEC. CRUTCHES 11 23 34
JAN – DEC. WALKERS 9 14 23
JAN – DEC. NO. OF WHEEL CHAIRS 2 1 3 DISTRIBUTED
TEN TYPES OF ASSISTIVE 602 587 1189 DEVICES WERE PRODUCED TOTAL
Figure: 6 & 7
The orthopedic workshop in spite of the power crisis in the year 2015 did put out a good performance in production level drop just by 2%. This is because equipment is becoming more expensive irrespective of the fact that it is always subsidized to make them affordable for patients to acquire. There was other equipment like artificial limbs, which was highly patronized, but as at now, the project do not have the expertise to start production which could also help the workshop step up the project income. Management is making efforts for the key senior orthopedic staffs to further their education in this area of study to build their capacity to meet the current challenges in the near future. It is also our hope that the workshop will equally see a facelift to meet the current needs of clients. Undoubtedly, the orthopedic workshop has been one of the main sources of income for the Project and management is keen on transforming the workshop to appreciable standard to meet the demands and expectation of clients. It is important to note that the Centre still facilitate and continues to assist other Centres like Begoro and Wiamoase in that capacity. Management hopes such collaborations will continue to yield fruitful outcomes and progress to the facility.
SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR THE PROJECT IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW
Figure: 8