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Reproductive Needs and Fitness Foundation (RENEF) was founded in 2016 by Abigail Antwi- Baafi and Grace Antwi in Ghana, driven by a shared commitment to improving public health and fostering community well-being. Operating primarily in the Sunyani East Municipality of the Bono Region, RENEF emerged from a vision to address critical gaps in reproductive health, fitness, and human rights through education and advocacy. From its inception, RENEF has focused on a holistic approach to health, intertwining physical fitness with comprehensive reproductive health education. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of health challenges, the organization has dedicated itself to providing vital support for maternal and child health, a crucial need in the region. Their initiatives include outreach programs that educate communities about reproductive health, access to fitness resources, and the importance of mental and emotional well-being. In addition to health education, RENEF actively works to combat gender-based violence, a significant issue in many communities. The foundation provides resources and support for survivors, advocates for legal reforms, and fosters community dialogues to challenge and change harmful norms. RENEF’s efforts extend to the marginalized and underserved populations, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs addressed. Through partnerships with local and international organizations, the foundation amplifies its impact, striving to create a more equitable society where all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Over the years, RENEF has grown into a beacon of hope and support within the Bono Region, celebrated for its dedication to enhancing public health, advocating for human rights, and fostering a culture of fitness and well-being.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Health Educational Materials (2016-2017): Published 10 health educational materials focusing on healthy living and non-communicable diseases, contributing to public health knowledge.

  1. Radio Health Program (2017): Launched a successful radio health programmes on Sika FM in Kumasi, providing valuable information on natural and self-help remedies.
  2. TV Health Content with Multimedia Ghana (2018-2019): Partnered with Multimedia Ghana to broadcast “RENEF Home Health Tit Bits” on ADOM TV, delivering holistic health content to a wide audience.
  3. Expanded TV Health Content (2020): Broadened the reach of health education by expanding TV content to KESSBEN TV and JOYPRIME, offering educational and impactful health information.
  4. Year of the Nurse and Midwife Sponsorship (2021): Collaborated with the Ministry of Health to sponsor the Year of the Nurse and Midwife celebration, highlighting the contributions of nursing and midwifery professionals.
  5. Scholarship Scheme (2023): Launched the RENEF Foundation scholarship scheme to support nursing and midwifery students, fostering education and advancement in the field
  6. MISS NIGHTINGALE (2021): Successfully introduced and organized the MISS NIGHTINGALE beauty pageant for Nursing and Midwifery students from training colleges and universities, enhancing the visibility of the nursing and midwifery profession and utilizing entertainment as a platform for advancing health education and promotion.
  7. Gender-Based Violence Campaign (2022): Formed a key partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to launch a campaign against gender-based violence, providing support and resources to assist victims in seeking justice.
  8. Adolescent Health Services (2022): Collaborated with the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service to effectively implement school and reproductive health services targeted at adolescents, addressing crucial health needs in this demographic.

KEY PROGRAMME AREAS

  1. Health Services: Preventive healthcare: campaigns, educational programs, screenings, promoting fitness activities, Genotype, rhesus incompatibility, birth defects among others.
  2. Maternal and Child Health: Support and resources for improving health outcomes for mothers and children.
  3. Sexual and Reproductive Health Services: Access to comprehensive services and education.
  4. Gender-Based Violence Awareness and Support: Information and resources to combat gender-based violence.
  5. Human Rights Advocacy: Efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, children, and marginalized communities.
  6. Capacity building and Research: Efforts to identify knowledge gaps and equip work force with the needed skills.
  7. Entrepreneurship and innovations: skills acquisition, craftmanship, agriculture, business startups and scale ups among others and Information technology, research, agriculture.
  8. Community based rehabilitation: Programs to support the physically challenged, disabled, and vulnerable.

 

LIST OF PROGRAMME AREAS

  1. Educational Campaigns on sensitive health and social issues such Genotype, Blood Group Testing, rhesus incompatibility, birth defects, fitness activities among others.
  2. Maternal Health Support Services
  3. Child Health Initiatives
  4. Sexual and Reproductive Health Education and Services
  5. Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Support
  6. Human Rights and Advocacy Initiatives
  7. Capacity building and research
  8. Entrepreneurship and innovations including agriculture and information technology
  9. Promote inclusions by formulating programs to support the physically challenged, disabled, and vulnerable.

 

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

  1. Improve quality health care through public sensitization, education and support services
  2. Support and expand initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health.
  3. Advocate for and provide access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.
  4. Equip the public with knowledge and resources to combat gender-based violence.
  5. Champion human rights focusing on women, children, and marginalized communities.
  6. Increase digital literacy and use of technology to encourage innovative solutions in healthcare, education, and agriculture.
  7. Strengthen capacity building and research to address socio-economic challenges
  8. Fostering a culture of entrepreneurship
  9. Promote inclusion for all

Key Interventions

Health Educational Materials (2016-2017): Published 10 health educational materials focusing on healthy living and non-communicable diseases, contributing to public health knowledge.

  1. Radio Health Program (2017): Launched a successful radio health programmes on Sika FM in Kumasi, providing valuable information on natural and self-help remedies.
  2. TV Health Content with Multimedia Ghana (2018-2019): Partnered with Multimedia Ghana to broadcast “RENEF Home Health Tit Bits” on ADOM TV, delivering holistic health content to a wide audience.
  3. Expanded TV Health Content (2020): Broadened the reach of health education by expanding TV content to KESSBEN TV and JOYPRIME, offering educational and impactful health information.
  4. Year of the Nurse and Midwife Sponsorship (2021): Collaborated with the Ministry of Health to sponsor the Year of the Nurse and Midwife celebration, highlighting the contributions of nursing and midwifery professionals.
  5. Scholarship Scheme (2021): Launched the RENEF Foundation scholarship scheme to support nursing and midwifery students, fostering education and advancement in the field
  6. MISS NIGHTINGALE (2021): Successfully introduced and organized the MISS NIGHTINGALE beauty pageant for Nursing and Midwifery students from training colleges and universities, enhancing the visibility of the nursing and midwifery profession and utilizing entertainment as a platform for advancing health education and promotion.
  7. Gender-Based Violence Campaign (2022): Formed a key partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection to launch a campaign against gender-based violence, providing support and resources to assist victims in seeking justice.
  8. Adolescent Health Services (2022): Collaborated with the Ghana Education Service and Ghana Health Service to effectively implement school and reproductive health services targeted at adolescents, addressing crucial health needs in this demographic.
  9. Maternal and Child Health Project (2023): Initiated a comprehensive project focusing on improving maternal and child health through addressing malnutrition, enhancing hygiene practices, reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, and supporting PMTCT (Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission) of HIV.
  10. Free Kidney screening for 50,000 Ghanaians (2024): To raise awareness about kidney health and potentially save lives through early detection and prevention.
  11. Reigniting the know your status campaign on HIV (2024 ,2025 and beyond): Sensitized the general public on the surging numbers of HIV in Ghana especially among the youth through the Miss Elegance tertiary Ghana initiative to promote testing and early treatment in partnership with National AIDS control program of the Ghana Health Service

On December 6, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection organized an award ceremony as part of activities to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based violence global campaign. At the ceremony, RENEF Foundation was awarded alongside the Executive Director, Abigail Antwi -Baafi as the Best Non-Governmental Organization and best Best Personality in the fight against gender-based violence (domestic violence)

In response to the recognition, Mrs Abigail Antwi the Founder said, “this award is a true reflection of RENEF’s commitment to the protection of women and girls’ rights. The COVID-19 pandemic clearly accelerated the cases of gender-based violence, especially intimate partner abuse. I am of the full conviction that this will motivate the team to work harder to achieve social justice for all.” 

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RENEF FOUNDATION LAUNCHES ITS EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP: BRILLANT BUT NEEDY STUDENTS TO BENEFIT

In a remarkable step toward bridging the educational gap, the RENEF Foundation has officially launched its Educational Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting brilliant but financially challenged students. The initiative, unveiled during a press event on [Insert Date], marks a significant milestone in the foundation’s ongoing commitment to educational equity and empowerment.

The scholarship targets students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue higher education. Through this program, RENEF Foundation seeks to remove the economic barriers that prevent talented young individuals from achieving their full potential.

“We believe that talent should never be wasted because of financial hardship,” said [Insert Name], Executive Director of RENEF Foundation. “This scholarship is our way of investing in the future – one student at a time.”

The program will cover tuition, learning materials, and other academic-related expenses for selected beneficiaries. Applicants will go through a transparent and merit-based selection process that assesses both academic excellence and financial need.

Education advocates and community leaders have lauded the initiative, describing it as a lifeline for many underprivileged yet deserving students.

With this bold step, RENEF Foundation continues to uphold its mission of transforming lives through education, offering hope and opportunity to those who need it most.

Applications for the scholarship entry should be announced in due course

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Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana is an annual beauty pageant organized among tertiary institutions across Ghana. It serves as a dynamic platform to champion health-related causes, address pressing social issues, and empower young women toward self-actualization.

The program leverages entertainment as a tool to positively influence the public, especially the youth. Throughout the competition, contestants actively participate in RENEF Foundation’s advocacy projects, gaining hands-on experience in social impact work. The ultimate winner is contracted to support and represent the foundation in its advocacy efforts for the duration of one year.

The contest is broadcast nationally over a 13-week period on television, with simultaneous live coverage across all RENEF Foundation social media platforms. RENEF Foundation collaborates with various institutions and key stakeholders to raise awareness on critical social issues through this platform.

Miss Elegance Tertiary Ghana also serves as a medium for education, information, and social sensitization—delivered through the performing arts. Contestants use role play, poetry, mime, music, dance, and cultural displays to inform and entertain, making the pageant a powerful fusion of beauty, purpose, and impact.

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The fight against HIV/AIDS in Ghana has entered a pivotal new chapter. The RENEF Foundation is proud to announce its role as an official implementation partner to the Ghana HIV & AIDS Network (GHANET) for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7). This ambitious project, centered on the roll-out of HIV Self-Testing (HIVST), is set to span the next three years, bringing healthcare directly to the doorsteps of those who need it most.

The core mission of this partnership is to eliminate barriers to healthcare. By focusing on early detection and treatment, RENEF Foundation is utilizing HIV self-testing as a primary tool for empowerment. Knowing one’s status is no longer a complex or intimidating process; it is now as simple as accessing a self-test kit in the privacy of one’s own environment.


RENEF Foundation recently concluded a successful review meeting for the first phase of the project. This initial three-month journey provided invaluable insights into the needs of the community and set a strong foundation for the years ahead.

To kickstart this impact, RENEF received:

• 600 HIV Self-Test Kits

• Supplies of condoms * Technical support from GHANET and the National AIDS Control Program (NACP).

These resources were strategically deployed across the Dormaa Municipal and Dormaa East districts, where RENEF will continue to serve as a dedicated Sub-Recipient of the Global Fund grant for the duration of the three-year cycle.


This initiative is more than just a local project; it is a vital contribution to the global UNAIDS 2030 targets. By making testing accessible, we are working toward the 95-95-95 goal:

• 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status.

• 95% of those diagnosed receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy.

• 95% of those receiving therapy achieving viral suppression.

As we transition into the next phase of implementation, the RENEF Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to our partners and the community. Our success depends on your continuous cooperation and participation.

In the spirit of health and community care, we remind everyone to stay safe and prioritize their well-being. Together, we can bridge the gap in healthcare and ensure a healthier future for the Dormaa districts.