A Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Teen Ambassadors Foundation (TAF), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Maitama Abuja, on Friday organized a medical outreach for residents of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The medical intervention, which held at the Arts and Culture Complex in Garki offered free medical consultations, screenings and treatment for hypertension, malaria, typhoid, peptic ulcer, urinary tract infections, diabetes, skin diseases, and pelvic inflammatory diseases as well as screening/treatment and vaccination for Hepatitis B and C respectively.
There was also provision of eye care screening/medication, provision of reading glasses as well as the engagement of people on health education and awareness sessions on health and hygiene practices.
Doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and pharmacists were on ground to offer services free of charge to adults and children.
Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Dr Paul Adiwu, said the gesture was borne out of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the NGO.
Adiwu said there was a need to complement the efforts of the Government in making the lives of the people better and that was what the intervention sought to achieve.
“The purpose of this outreach is to provide quality healthcare services to underserved communities, aligning with our organization’s mission to promote health and wellbeing. Our objective is to bridge the healthcare gap and empower communities through education and access to medical services,” he said.
With a track record of such outreaches, he said feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with communities appreciating the efforts.
“We’ve seen improved health outcomes, increased awareness, and a sense of community engagement. Our impact is a testament to the power of collective action in addressing healthcare disparities,” he said.
Adiwu expressed concern over the gap as it pertains to healthcare delivery in the society.
As one trying to fill in this gap through such interventions, he said, “It’s concerning, but we’re committed to making a difference. I advise every spirited individual to prioritize healthcare infrastructure, invest in community-based initiatives, and collaborate with NGOs to amplify impact.”
Given the organization’s experience especially at the grassroots, he said it was open to partnerships for support on such interventions for more impact.
“Absolutely, we’re open to partnerships! Collaboration is key to scaling our impact. We’re engaging with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to co-create solutions and leverage resources.
“This outreach is a joint effort between Teen Ambassadors Foundation and Rotary Club of Maitama Abuja, showcasing our shared commitment to improving healthcare access. We’re proud to partner with like-minded organizations to drive positive change,” he said.
A beneficiary of the eye care service, Nicholas, described the service as excellent.
He expressed gratitude to the organizers for the service, saying it saved him a lot of money and time as well as solved a major eye problem for him.
He urged the organization to do more and urged more support for it.
“I am grateful for this intervention which has been extremely beneficial to me. I got free eye tests and glasses which addressed a challenge of reading I have been experiencing. The impact of Teen Ambassador Foundation cannot be overemphasised. My hope is that they get support to do more,” he said.
Other beneficiaries who also spoke expressed gratitude and called for more of such interventions.