More than 700 residents of Awgu Local Government Area in Enugu State received free medical care during a weekend comprehensive outreach at the Awgu Local Government Area Headquarters.
The event, which aimed to bring vital health services directly to the grassroots and to where they are most needed, was organised by Custos Care Foundation, a non-profit established by Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, the First Lady of Enugu State, in collaboration with the Office of the First Lady, Enugu State.
The outreach provided a wide array of medical services, including screenings and treatment for conditions such as malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and HIV. Residents also underwent eye exams and BMI assessments, and received free prescription eyeglasses. Children were given deworming medication, and all participants had access to individual health consultations with licensed medical professionals.
The initiative was part of the Mobile Clinic campaign spearheaded by the Custos Care Foundation, a programme that aims to bring healthcare directly to underserved communities across the state.
The medical team was led by Professor Uchenna Agu, the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Hospital Management Board, who oversaw the delivery of services. Dr. JohnPaul Nnagbo, a senior doctor involved in the outreach, delivered a session on cervical cancer awareness and the importance of vaccination. Nurse Philomena Asogwa, a senior health officer, emphasised the benefits of adopting regular health checks and healthy lifestyle habits.
Comrade Egodi Igwe, the Managing Director of the Custos Care Foundation, called the outreach a critical step in ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, particularly in rural areas. Hon. Uche Okolo, Executive Chairman of Awgu LGA, praised the profound impact of the outreach on the community and recognized the First Lady, Mrs Mbah’s, unwavering commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.
The outreach underscores the First Lady’s commitment to improving public health in Enugu State, with further similar initiatives expected as part of the foundation’s broader efforts to address healthcare disparities across the region.