By Kelechi Achukwu-Jide
The Ofala 2026 Medical, Health and Wellbeing Community Outreach has provided free healthcare services to members of the Onitsha Improvement Union (OIU), 33 branch, and other residents.
The outreach began with a community wide sensitisation exercise on Oct. 12, followed by medical services on Oct. 13, at the OIU 33 branch premises in Victory Estate, Onitsha.
The services included health checks, counselling, HIV testing, tuberculosis X-ray screening, stroke risk assessment, dental and eye care, and referrals. Participants also received information on HIV, tuberculosis, mental health, sickle cell disease and gender based violence.
The Programme Coordinator of the Onitsha Advancement Foundation (OnAF) and Chairperson of the outreach, Dr Rita Melifeonwu, said the organisers partnered with Save the World Foundation to deliver the programme.
Melifeonwu said medical professionals provided counselling on mental health and sickle cell disease, while the outreach also addressed HIV and tuberculosis. She added that research conducted in collaboration with the foundation informed preventive measures against gender based violence.
The President of the OIU 33 branch, Mr Victor Ugochukwu, said the initiative was beneficial to the community, noting that many residents were unaware of their health status.
He expressed hope that the outreach would help residents better understand their health conditions and take appropriate steps to manage them.
A beneficiary, Ezinne Ikemefuna, said participants gained knowledge about blood sugar, weight management, sickle cell disease and mental health.
Similarly, a nurse, Etukokwu Nkechi, described her participation as an opportunity to serve her community and expressed hope that more residents of Onitsha would benefit from improved access to healthcare.
The outreach concluded on Oct. 15 at Okwueze Umuezearoli, Ime Obi Ogbeoza, Onitsha, with free medical services for members of the public.
Kelechi Achukwu-Jide is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reorientation, Anambra State
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