Omenaa Foundation and Warsaw Medical University join forces for children's health in Ghana
Sometimes, a single meeting and a shared idea are enough to bring two worlds together—science and philanthropy. This is how the collaboration between the Omenaa Foundation and the Medical University of Warsaw came about, with the aim of improving access to healthcare for children who have been referred to the Child Protection Center and Kids Haven School after experiencing slave labor. As part of the Health for Hope project, Polish doctors and students visited our charges in Africa to share their knowledge, experience, and empathy.
Support for children with experience of slave labor
Every year, as a result of rescue operations, sick, frightened children struggling with trauma arrive at our center.
Many of them suffer from diseases that have been untreated for years: malaria, typhoid, or parasitic infections. Often, they do not even know their names or dates of birth. (...) The youngest child we rescued was 4.5 years old. There are also older children, aged 8 to 18. Currently, there are 45 children staying at the center. Unfortunately, this number is constantly growing , says Damian Kurpiewski, Managing Director of the Omenaa Foundation LBG in Ghana.
Doctors from the Medical University of Warsaw in Africa – medicine in the service of children
As part of the established cooperation, representatives of the Medical University of Warsaw traveled to Africa: Prof. Michał Grąt, Prof. Zbigniew Gaciong, Dr. Joanna Peradzyńska, and Dr. Jacek Sieńko. They were accompanied by project coordinator Vanessa Mensah , a student at the Medical University of Warsaw, who, like her mother, is committed to continuing the mission of providing aid in Africa. Once there, the Medical University of Warsaw team conducted medical consultations, screening tests, and educational workshops on hygiene, disease prevention, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle. The WUM team of specialists was also joined by Kamila Szczawińska, a psychologist and psychotherapist in training, who works with the Omenaa Foundation. Together with Dr. Jacek Sieńko, she conducted workshops on topics such as puberty in girls.
" This is a milestone—both for the children in Ghana, who are receiving care, and for our students, who are learning that medicine is not only a science, but above all a service to others ," emphasizes Prof . Zbigniew Gaciong of the Medical University of Warsaw.
A new standard of healthcare in Ghana
During their stay in Africa, the WUM staff also visited Blessed Laura Catholic School, where they conducted interactive classes for the youngest children. The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the progress of the construction of Doctor's Room —the first medical office in the Kids Haven Sport & Art Complex, which will soon provide the local community with permanent access to basic healthcare.
Collaboration with the University of Ghana Medical Center
Omenaa Mensah has been helping children in Ghana for over 10 years.
Representatives of the foundation and the university also met with employees of the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC). The visit initiated discussions on trilateral cooperation, including student exchanges and clinical internships.
“This is one of our most important and crucial collaborations, combining education, medicine, and humanitarian aid. I believe that thanks to this collaboration, children will receive professional care and young doctors will gain valuable experience ,” emphasizes Omenaa Mensah.
Volunteer program for medical students from Poland
Already in 2026, a volunteer and internship program for medical students from all over Poland will be launched in Ghana, coordinated by Vanessa Mensah.
“After five years of studying and gaining experience, I am happy that I can now contribute—both to my university and to the community in Ghana. I believe that this visit will contribute to further medical and scientific development and will provide real support to those who need it most, ” says Vanessa Mensah.
