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From TCNEWS

Beneficiaries of the 2nd edition of Rotary Family Health Days, RFHD have lauded the Club for bringing free healthcare to them at zero cost.

Rotary Action Group for Family Health and AIDS prevention with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in collaboration with Rotary Clubs and Districts in Nigeria, Ministries of Health, Private sector and Nongovernmental Organizations rolled out its annual free nationwide health services event tagged, “Rotary Family Health Days”.

The event saw the Rotary Clubs in Umuahia in District 9142 with the assistance of Medical and Health Professionals, addressed critical issues of HIV, poliomyelitis and other diseases and at the same time, test, screen and examine residents.

Other services rendered include: poliomyelitis immunization; screenings for hepatitis B & C, diabetes & glucose level, hypertension, tuberculosis, cervical, breast and prostrate cancer, malaria screening and treatment; HIV testing and counseling; Vitamin A administration; deworming of children; distribution of insecticide treated mosquito nets; family planning, counseling and distribution of condoms; distribution of sanitary pads for girls; eye cataract test; dental care and COVID-19 awareness and sensitization.

The beneficiaries numbering about 200 at Umuobasi Isiama Afaraukwu civic hall in Umuahia North L.G.A, of Abia State, who include: Mrs Chioma Gbaruko, Mr. Onyenjuala Ikechukwu, Mrs Nkemjika Favour, among others who interacted with our Correspondent, described the free medical outreach as a hand of God, that despite the current global economic crisis, cash drought and fuel crisis in Abia State and Nigeria, the Club still held the Rotary Family Health Days Programme.

Speaking during the event, the Rotary International Assistant Governor zone 4, District 9142 Rtn. Sunny Megwara, described the outreach which falls in line with the seven areas of focus of Rotary, as what the Club is known for – extending selfless service to the less privileged and bringing succour to the people living in the hinterlands.

The Abia State Coordinator for RFHD, Rtn. Lucky Oseghe disclosed that the Club targeted 200 beneficiaries.

While disclosing that the outreach would affect the the three Senatorial districts of Abia – Abia South (Abia); Abia Central (Umuahia); and Abia North (Ukwunwangwu-Uturu in Isuikwuato L.G.A), Oseghe disclosed that the Club and its sponsors have pledged also to support those who were referred to the Federal Medical Center and State Specialist Hospital during the exercise, for their recovery.

Lending her voice, the Synergizer President of the Rotary Club of Umuahia, Rtn. Adaeze Iroegbu said the outreach was conceived by the Club to ensure that those living in the grassroots, who could not access quality healthcare services are given proper medical attention.

She appreciated Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rotary Club for ensuring that the outreach was sustained and people, given the best medical attention with the aid of solid medical doctors and nurses.

She disclosed that the Clubs in Umuahia embarked on massive sensitization and mobilization of people to ensure that benefit handsomely from the free medical outreach.

Also, the Synergizer President of Rotary Club of Umudike Central, Rtn. Chinwe Anyaegbu expressed optimism that the gesture would go a long way to help people in the area especially the less privilege persons.

In a telephone interview, the Synergizer President of Rotary Club of Umuahia North, Rtn. Geraldine Onuorah observed that access to basic medical healthcare remained a major challenge faced by most people living in rural environments.

According to her, taking note of the problems associated with the inability to access affordable healthcare facilities and healthcare kits in their immediate environment, Rotary Club and its partners introduced the Rotary Family Health Days.