Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
No fewer than 400 patients were Saturday treated of various ailments during a medical outreach in Aguluezechukwu, a community in Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The programme was organised by Hon Chukwuma Izundu, Counsellor representing Aguluezechukwu at the Aguata Legislative Council, with support from Creative Minds Centre for Youths and Community Development.
The medical outreach, which provided comprehensive health screenings were to detect health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, malaria, HIV, and eye issues. Patients also received consultations, health talks and distribution of drugs and medicated glasses.
Declaring the programme open, Hon. Izundu, the Chief Whip of the Aguata Legislative Council, disclosed that the exercise was part of his election promise to bridge the gap in healthcare and improve the well-being of his people.
“The programme is a reflection of my commitment to a healthier, stronger community and society. I had it in my plans before I was elected as Counsellor that the health of my people must be seriously taken care of because it is only when one is healthy that he can do other things to help himself,” he said.
Izundu said the current medical outreach is a pressing necessity, given the escalating costs of medication and the struggles families face in coping with the rising prices. He emphasised that many individuals are grappling with the economic situation in the country, with some even unaware of their health status or the available treatment options.
The counselor said he decided to focus on healthcare initiatives, with plans to expand to other areas in the future. Other areas he outlined include youth empowerment, equipping health centres and promoting access to quality education for all. He also assured the community of his commitment to promoting sports development and renovating the community market.
He said the interventions underlined the critical gains of grassroots governance where the people’s immediate needs are met. He urged constituents to remain focused, calm and continue in their support of the government’s goal to transform the state.
Executive Director Creative Minds Centre for Youths and Community Development, said her NGO’s decision to key into the initiative was driven by its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of vulnerable populations.
“The free medical outreach aligns with our organisation’s mission to provide critical support to marginalised communities,” Ugochi explained.
“We recognise that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we are dedicated to helping bridge the gap in healthcare services, particularly in rural areas,” she said.
Dr. Rose Amasiani, State Nutrition Officer and Programme Manager for Food Safety and Hygiene at the State Ministry of Health, cautioned participants to be vigilant about their dietary choices. According to her, a staggering 90 percent of human illnesses can be attributed to the consumption of unhealthy or contaminated food.
Sanitarian Theresa Nwafor from the State Ministry of Environment, advised the community members to maintain a clean environment, dispose waste properly, and avoid practices that could contaminate their water sources. By adopting these habits, Nwafor stressed that the community can significantly reduce the risk of water-borne and environmental diseases.
Traditional ruler of Aguluezechukwu, His Royal Highness, Igwe Felix Eberendu, commended the Counsellor for the bold step despite only being one month in office and encouraged him to do more to better the lives of the people.
