Babychildandco celebrates World Lung Day in Accra, Ghana

First World Lung Day celebration in Accra, Ghana

Babychildandco is an organization that promotes child health through advocacy and limited clinical services. The celebration of World Lung Day was the first of its kind in Accra, Ghana.  

The decision to celebrate World Lung Day was made because pulmonology, specifically paediatric pulmonology, is still in its infant stages in Ghana, and there is almost no discussion about the effects of climate change on lung health in our medical circles, as well as among the populace. 

In the city of Accra is also hone to the e-waste recycling site called Agbogbloshie. This is the second largest recycling site in the world and one of the most polluted places. The aim of Babychildandco’s project was to use spirometry to demonstrate the detrimental effects of environmental pollution on lung health, among children and adults living in a polluted community in Accra, as well as raise awareness on the beneficial effects of physical activity on lung health. 

The initiatives were promoted on the Morning Show of PentTV, one of the popular television stations in Accra and also through other social media networks. The activities existed out of a Walk to Breathe on the 14th of September, where 400 brochures were distributed with information on lung health and climate change. On 21 September free lung function testing was provided to the public of Accra. In total 53 adults and 22 children received a free lung function test.  

The activities were organised in collaboration with other local NGO’s and partners: 

• Breathe of Life 
• Accra Harmony Lions CLub 
• Viva Health Medical Foundation 
• Ghana Thoracic Society 
• Paediatric Society of Ghana 
• Lung Cancer Awareness Initiative  
• Alpha Run Fitness Club