As part of the 2024 Rotary Family Health Days in Nigeria, the Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in the Awka Axis, under the Anambra Zone of Rotary International District 9142, offered free medical services to residents of the metropolis. The outreach took place at the Umuogbunu village town hall in Awka on Saturday.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the irresistible Rotary Presidents after the exercise, the President of the Rotary Club of Awka Central, Rotarian Agubata Ekene, explained that the initiative was organised by Rotary International District 9124 in collaboration with clubs in Anambra Zone. The outreach is being executed at three sites: Nnewi, Onitsha, and Awka.
Seven Rotary and Rotaract Clubs participated in the outreach, including the Rotary Club of Awka Central, the Rotary Club of Awka Urban, the Rotary Club of Awka GRA, the Rotary Club of Igbariam Gateway, the Rotary Club of Amawbia Sports Club, the Rotary Club of Awka Metropoli, and the Rotaract E-Club of East Land.
Ekene emphasised that the outreach aligns with one of Rotary International’s focus areas: providing high-quality healthcare to vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The clubs aimed to deliver medical interventions to less privileged and vulnerable groups who cannot afford regular healthcare checks.
“The essence of the programme is to expand access to quality care so that mothers, children, and the elderly can have equal opportunities for a healthy future,” he noted. Additionally, the Rotary Club provides education, immunisations, birth kits, and mobile health clinics for those in need.
The free outreach is currently ongoing across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Assistant Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Rtn Engr Obiudu Chid M. Phf, who is also the anchor for this year’s programme in the Awka Axis, commended the efforts of Rotary and District 9142 Governor Rtn Prof A.U. Nonyelu for his commitment to service.
He highlighted that this outreach fulfils one of Rotary’s areas of focus—health. Services offered included malaria prevention, eye tests, HIV testing, hypertension and diabetes screenings, deworming for children, breast cancer awareness, dental care, prostate cancer screening, vitamin A administration, hepatitis B and C testing, as well as the distribution of sanitary pads for girls and insecticide-treated mosquito nets to beneficiaries.
“We decided to come here because this is an indigent community, and what Rotary preaches is to reach out to indigent communities to bridge the gap,” he stated, noting that the beneficiaries received mosquito nets and free medications.
No fewer than 600 residents of Awka are expected to benefit from this Rotary gesture.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE