Health
NO fewer than 430 residents have benefited from the fifth Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation medical outreach across Edo communities during the Easter celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the outreach held in Zide and Madagbayo, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, on Sunday and Monday.
The two-day programme attracted large crowds, with residents trooping out early to receive medical attention and health advice from volunteer professionals.
It featured over 35 medical personnel who conducted tests including blood sugar, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and blood pressure checks.
They also carried out weight assessments, eye examinations, optical dispensing and consultations, ensuring beneficiaries received comprehensive healthcare services.
Appropriate medications were distributed freely, while critical cases were referred to the General Hospital, Iguobazuwa, and other centres for further treatment.
Some beneficiaries were counselled on lifestyle changes, nutrition, and preventive healthcare practices to reduce the risk of chronic and infectious diseases.
Founder, Mr Goodluck Ebelo, said the initiative aimed to deliver free medical care to underserved communities, especially during festive periods.
“We do not have hospitals or healthcare centres here, so we invite volunteer doctors during Christmas and Easter to address health challenges,” he said.
He noted that access to healthcare remained a major challenge in the area, necessitating sustained intervention by individuals and organisations.
“This has been ongoing for three years, and this is the fifth outreach,” Ebelo added.
He said the foundation planned to refurbish abandoned government health facilities and engage qualified personnel to operate them effectively.
According to him, restoring such facilities would provide long-term healthcare solutions and reduce dependence on periodic outreach programmes.
Project Director, Dr Hannah Ojo, said the outreach was driven by the need to curb preventable deaths in the communities.
“This initiative arose because people were dying from preventable causes. With proper care, many would have survived,” she said.
She stressed that early diagnosis remained crucial in tackling many health conditions that often go unnoticed in rural communities.
“Existing health centres are not functioning optimally, so we aim to reduce mortality by providing essential healthcare services,” Ojo added.
Implementing Partner, Dr Ugonna Nwigwe, expressed satisfaction with the impact of previous outreaches on residents’ health outcomes.
He noted that many beneficiaries had experienced improved vision and better management of chronic conditions following earlier interventions.
Team Lead in Zide, Dr Oyintare Abraham, said many residents lacked awareness of certain health conditions affecting them.
She added that community sensitisation remained key to encouraging people to seek timely medical attention.
Team Lead in Madagbayo, Dr Shalom Azenabor, noted that infectious diseases were prevalent among residents in the community.
He said poor sanitation and limited access to clean water contributed significantly to the spread of such diseases.
Speaking on behalf of beneficiaries, Zachariah Lala, a community leader in Zide, commended the foundation for bringing free healthcare services to the people.
He described the outreach as timely and impactful, especially for elderly residents and low-income families.
A beneficiary, Gabriel Aigbekumo, also urged other Nigerians to emulate the initiative and support vulnerable communities.
“The government should rise to its responsibilities. These services should be public, yet an individual is making a significant impact,” he said.
Benjamin Olowu, Youth Chairman of Madagbayo, said unlike other outreaches, residents were not charged for services, making the programme truly accessible.
He added that the gesture had strengthened community trust and encouraged greater participation in future health interventions. (NAN)
A.I
April 7, 2026
Tags: Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation Benjamin Olowu Dr Hannah Ojo Dr Shalom Azenabor Dr Ugonna Nwigwe Ebelo foundation Gabriel Aigbekumo Mr Goodluck Ebelo Zachariah Lala