Sustainable Impact Makers International (SIMI) says its 2026 Health Equity Summit reached more than 1,000 people in the Bono Region, combining community advocacy, health education and preventive services to address barriers to healthcare access.
The three-day initiative, held in Sunyani from July 23 to 25 under the theme “Health Equity in Action: From Periods to Parenthood, For All,” recorded more than 420 screening encounters across 13 service categories and completed over 500 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) registrations.
About 800 secondary school students also participated in a film screening and facilitated discussion on issues including menstrual health, consent, early marriage and school retention.
In its newly released 2026 summit report, SIMI says the activities were designed to bridge the gap between people’s understanding of preventive healthcare and their ability to access services.
The report cites research indicating that only 10.3% of breast cancers in Ghana are diagnosed at Stage I or II, compared with the Global Breast Cancer Initiative benchmark of at least 60%.
It also references a study of male teachers aged 45 to 60 in the Sunyani Municipality, which found that although 95% recognised the benefits of prostate screening, 90% had never been screened.
SIMI says the findings highlight the need to address barriers that prevent people from translating health awareness into action.
The report further notes that adolescent pregnancy in the former Brong-Ahafo Region, which included the present-day Bono Region, remained above the national average across three decades of surveys.
It also identifies the limited representation of traditional and religious authorities in formal health governance as a concern, given their influence on community attitudes and health-seeking behaviour.
SIMI organised the summit around three priorities: mobilising communities, empowering people through education and dialogue, and enabling access to preventive health services.
The programme opened with a 5-kilometre community advocacy walk intended to raise awareness of health equity and encourage collective responsibility for community wellbeing.
A subsequent policy dialogue brought together health professionals, policymakers, educators, traditional authorities and faith leaders to discuss community health priorities and possible responses.
At Sunyani Senior High School, a screening of NAWI, followed by a facilitated discussion, provided students with an opportunity to engage with issues including menstrual health, consent, early marriage and school retention.
The summit’s service component was delivered in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, Bono Regional Hospital and other clinical teams. It offered health screenings, health promotion activities and NHIS registration.
According to SIMI, bringing the services closer to residents provided practical opportunities for participants to act on health information and access preventive care.
SIMI calls for stronger referral pathways
Beyond the immediate activities, the report emphasises the need for effective referral systems to ensure that people who undergo screening can access further assessment and appropriate treatment when necessary.
It also introduced the Sunyani Pledge: 90-Day Health Equity Challenge, inviting participants to commit to achievable actions within their communities and institutions.
SIMI says the initiative provides a foundation for continued collaboration among communities, healthcare providers, policymakers and traditional and religious leaders.
The full report outlines the summit’s delivery figures, priorities identified by community members, limitations and recommendations for advancing health equity in the Bono Region and beyond.
https://canva.link/simi-health-equity-summit-2026-full-report