Boosting Health Coverage in Nigeria: A Two-Day Medical Outreach for Women and Children in Dobi (A collaborative effort between OHAI and African Doctors for Africa)

In a bid to improve health coverage in Nigeria, African Doctors for Africa and the Oral Health Advocacy Initiative (OHAI) launched a transformative two-day medical outreach on Wednesday, targeting women and children in the Dobi community of Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory. The outreach aimed to address pressing health concerns while promoting wellness in underserved populations.

The comprehensive initiative focused on Malaria control, Oral Health education and care, Hepatitis B and C screening, Nutrition awareness, eye screenings with the provision of corrective lenses, as well as Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling. It marked a significant step in bridging healthcare gaps, offering free and accessible medical services to a population with limited healthcare options.

The outreach was officially inaugurated by Mrs. Ifeoma Anagbogu, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, whose presence underscored the government’s support for collaborative healthcare interventions. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of such partnerships in addressing health inequities and called for sustained efforts to reach marginalized communities.

Over the course of the outreach, more than 700 patients received critical medical attention. Women were educated on prenatal and postnatal care, while children underwent nutritional assessments to identify and address malnutrition. Specialists conducted detailed screenings for TB, HIV/AIDS, and Hepatitis, offering immediate counseling and referrals for further care where necessary.

A dedicated team of optometrists provided eye exams, dispensing prescription lenses to improve vision for many who had struggled with undiagnosed vision impairments. Additionally, oral health professionals delivered dental screenings, hygiene education, and treatment for conditions such as cavities and gum disease.

Patients expressed gratitude for the initiative, with many describing it as life-changing. One beneficiary, Aisha Mohammed, shared, “I’ve never had my eyes checked before today, and now I can see better with the glasses they gave me. This is a blessing for my family and me.”

The outreach not only provided immediate healthcare services but also laid a foundation for long-term impact by creating awareness about preventive care and connecting the community to follow-up resources.

African Doctors for Africa and OHAI reiterated their commitment to continuing such interventions in other underserved regions, aiming to reduce the burden of preventable diseases and improve overall health outcomes across Nigeria.

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