Can student health leaders tackle Africa's NCD crisis?
Powered by students, guided by experts, rooted in communities – Akomapa is redefining preventative primary care.
"Have a good heart"
What Akomapa Means
In Akan, Akomapa means "a good heart."
It's more than just a name — it's our guiding belief.
At Akomapa, we care for the physical heart — screening for hypertension, managing diabetes, offering nutrition support — but we also care for the moral heart of healthcare. The part that listens. The part that sees dignity in every patient. The part that refuses to walk away from people just because they are poor.
To have akomapa is to lead with empathy, to live in health, and to believe that everyone deserves to be well — in body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you're a patient, a volunteer, or a partner — welcome to the Akomapa family.
Welcome to a clinic with a good heart.
OUR MISSION
Transforming Healthcare. Training Leaders. Building Trust.
Akomapa is a network of student-powered, faculty-supervised clinics tackling Ghana and Africa's non-communicable disease crisis through early screening, health education, and self-care support. We collaborate with communities, universities, and the Ghana Health Service to deliver free, sustainable, and community-based care—led by the future of medicine.
Our mission is to increase access to primary care in underserved communities across Ghana by training and empowering health professional students to deliver early screening, education, and self-care support for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Through expert faculty supervision and deep community partnerships, our clinic addresses today's public health challenges with tomorrow's leaders.
HOW WE WORK
A Scalable, Sustainable, Community-Based Model
Our approach combines clinical excellence, education, and community engagement to create lasting healthcare solutions in underserved communities.
Low-Cost Clinics
Under the supervision of licensed faculty, health professional students lead weekend clinics that are interprofessional, free, and based within communities to increase access to essential NCD services.
Global Health Leadership
Interdisciplinary teams of health professional students—medical, nursing, pharmacy, optometry, and allied health—are trained and equipped to lead clinical care, patient education, and follow-up.
Community Partnership
Designed in collaboration with traditional leaders, community members, and the Ghana Health Service to ensure local trust and sustainability.
Expert Supervision
Every clinic is guided by licensed physicians, nurses, and public health faculty from local institutions.
WHY IT MATTERS
Responding to an Urgent Health Crisis with Innovation and Evidence
Non-communicable diseases are rapidly becoming a major health challenge across Africa, requiring innovative approaches to healthcare delivery and prevention.
The Growing Burden of NCDs in Africa
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer are projected to overtake infectious diseases as the leading causes of death across Africa by 2030. This shift requires new approaches to healthcare that emphasize prevention and early intervention.
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NCDs are projected to be Africa's leading cause of death by 2030.
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In Ghana, hypertension is the leading cause of death, accounting for 15.3% of total deaths.
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Of surveyed health professional students expressed strong interest in leading change.
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Community members and institutions have voiced strong support for supervised, student-run clinics.
Our First Clinic - Akomapa Free Clinic UCC Chapter
Local Impact with National Potential
We're piloting our first student-run clinics in Abeadze Domenase and Abura in partnership with the University of Cape Coast College of Health Sciences. These sites serve as epicenters for innovation, care, and training.
Healthcare students providing care in Abeadze Domenase
Building Health Capacity in Central Ghana
Our pilot locations in Abeadze Domenase and Abura were strategically chosen for their mix of urban and rural populations, proximity to the University of Cape Coast, and demonstrated need for expanded NCD care.
Our clinic locations in Ghana's Central Region
With successful implementation in our pilot locations, we aim to expand our model across Ghana, creating a network of student-run clinics that serve communities and train the next generation of healthcare leaders.
BACKED BY RESEARCH
Designed with Evidence. Driven by Collaboration.
Akomapa's clinic model is grounded in rigorous qualitative and quantitative research involving 316 health professional students, university faculty, Ghana Health Service officials, and community members. The data is clear: supervised, student-led, interprofessional clinics are not only welcomed—they are essential to addressing Ghana's NCD burden.
Key Insights
Strong student interest across health disciplines
University leadership sees clinics as a win for community health and student training
Mission aligns with the Ghana Health Service focus on community-based preventive care
Expert supervision is essential for ensuring patient safety and high-quality student learning
This research was conducted in partnership with leading institutions committed to health equity and innovation:
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Stories of Hope, Leadership, and Impact
Hear firsthand how our programs are making a difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
"I feel proud to serve my community while learning to be a doctor."
OUR WORK IN ACTION
Gallery
Highlight our students, community events, faculty supervisors, and pilot clinics in action—offering a human view of our mission at work.
Medical students practicing clinical skills
Community health education session in Saltpond
Faculty supervisor guiding student examination
Exterior of Winneba pilot clinic
GET INVOLVED
You Can Help Build the Future of Primary Care in Africa
Ways to Join:
- •Partner with us as a university, hospital, or NGO.
- •Sponsor our clinics or student training programs.
- •Volunteer your time, skills, or supervision.
- •Donate to help us scale impact across Ghana.