- TaskIhiala 27th April 2019, Free Medical Outreach
The Light Givers Humanitarian Foundation embarked on a medical outreach project on 27th April 2019, at Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra state, Nigeria. The event was successfully executed and its objectives to provide access to basic healthcare service to those living in rural areas or hard-to-reach communities including underserved areas in Ihiala communities were duly achieved. The targeted beneficiaries were 2,367 people which comprises of 912 males and 1,455 females; 60% adults and 40% children.
The programme, organized by nongovernmental organization. The Light Givers Humanitarian Foundation (TLGHF) was part of its contribution to give back to the society. The event was actually centered in different locations with the view to accommodate everyone. Some of the services rendered at St. Joseph primary school, Akwa, Ihiala, Anambra State characterized with donations of free insecticides, nets to repel mosquitoes, and free medical screening and drugs for common ailments, free consultation, free prostrate screening for men above 40, free medication for children and adults.
Most of the beneficiaries were screened for HIV/AIDS, blood sugar level, Malaria, blood pressure and were also given health talks. Children were also not left out as over 90 were de-wormed.
Looking at the objectives in which “The LIGHT Givers Humanitarian Foundation (TLGHF)” was formed, it deals with love, spirit, soul and body. The body is very important and that is why we had over 20 doctors, 23 nurses, laboratory scientists and pharmacist and people were treated for free with the view to demonstrate love to the service of humanity. However, this exercise lasted for a day with different locations in order to cover the scope of the project objectives.
Reactions from one of the beneficiaries, a woman, Chioma Osita, thanked (TLGHF) for their initiative especially for the free hypertension and free blood sugar screening. She said “I knew I was not feeling too fine on the inside but I was too scared to undergo any test or screening because of lack of funds and the fear of the unknown”. I really appreciate this team for coming to our aids. With the present economic situation in the country, many of us can’t afford exorbitant costs of treatment at the hospitals. But The Light Givers Humanitarian Foundation (TLGHF) brought doctors to examine us, conducted tests and gave us free medicine. I wish other church leaders and personalities can do same. The event was a corporate social responsibility to its host communities and beyond. However, the gesture was aimed at building a healthy community and complementing the efforts of the state government in the health sector. At the event, the leader of the medical team, Agbor Nwachukwu, emphasized the need to maintain habit and be mindful of certain lifestyles that make an individual susceptible to certain life-threatening ailment. He said, “Drinking and smoking reduces your lifespan by half and it is a very expensive habit which also ages you fast. Also, as regards to all ailment, early detection and prevention is always key. With regards to cancer which is ravaging our society, people need to be informed that early detection is the best option to treatment of this very dreaded disease.
Benefits/Impacts of Medical Outreach in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria
- It plays a critical role in improving the standard of living and also promoting a healthy environment for better opportunities.
- It helps to expand the knowledge of the community residents towards health education.
- It enables the community residents make the right decision on certain lifestyles/food items that will help boost their immune system.
- It discourages self-medication without check-up or proper consultation from a medical practitioner.
- With the knowledge of health education in various communities, it helps to control the spread of any unforeseen outbreak within the community.
