30th November, 2024
Over 500 residents of Ogba, a community near Benin City in Edo State, have received free medical services through an outreach organized by Beulah World Initiative, a non-profit organization.
The event took place at the Church of God Mission International, Open Gates Province, Ogba, on Saturday, offering a range of healthcare services, including eye tests, medical check-ups, sugar tests, HIV/AIDS tests, and blood pressure screenings.
The founder of Beulah World Initiative, Chichi Ononiwu, shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the organization is dedicated to providing primary healthcare and leadership development to underserved rural communities.
“This initiative aims to ensure that help reaches the grassroots, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare services,” Ononiwu said.
“Many communities are facing severe health challenges, with residents struggling even to access basic treatment at hospitals.”
After inquiries in Ogun State, Ononiwu and her team discovered that the Ogba community urgently needed medical assistance, leading them to organize the outreach.
Dr. David Salami, a member of the medical team, expressed concern over the high prevalence of hypertension, even among young residents, which he attributed to the harsh economic conditions in Nigeria.
“Many of the residents were unaware of conditions like high blood pressure, hypertension, and diabetes until they attended this programme,” Salami remarked. “This highlights the urgent need for more accessible healthcare services in these communities.”
The outreach received positive feedback from the community, with Mrs. Helen Akanu, one of the beneficiaries, praising the organizers for offering healthcare to those who can no longer afford hospital services due to the current economic situation.
Mr. Shettima Gadzama, another first-time recipient, also commended the inclusive nature of the program, noting that he was treated with respect despite being a Muslim.
The event concluded with the distribution of food items to widows and elderly women, as well as the provision of free medications to those in need.
