By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Hundreds of Anambra, Enugu and Imo States residents are currently participating in an ongoing three days medical outreach programme organised by Tropical Gate Foundation for Sustainable Development, an internationally acclaimed Nongovernmental organisation in partnership with Salvation Army.
The event holding at Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State, a border town to several communities in Oji Rivers (Enugu State) and Akokwa (Imo State), is a biannual programme geared towards treatments of ear, nose, throats, epilepsy, eye care, othorpedic, dental and mental health.
They brought in a team of medical experts from Enugu State who are running comprehensive checkups for eyes, ears, nose, throats and other health conditions, including management of strokes, waste pains, bones and drugs dispensing.
Speaking at the flag-off of the 2024 edition, the founder of the Tropical Gate Foundation, Apostle Dr. Nnamdi Mbaigbo, hinted that it was aimed at improving healthcare in critical areas, as well as commitment to the United Nations sustainable development goals adapted by the organisation.
"Through our outreach initiatives, we have reached out to individuals who are often marginalised and underserved. By providing essential ear, nose and throat services, we have helped those grappling with hearing impairments, ensuring that they receive the care and support they need.
"Our advocacy and support for individuals living with epilepsy have been instrumental in addressing and alleviating their challenges. Our focus on eye care has enabled us to combat preventable blindness and visual impairments, ensuring that individuals have access to crucial eye health services and resources.
"Our dedication to raising awareness about mental health and ensuring that individuals have access to the care and resources they need to cope with mental health challenges. Let us continue to work together to expand our outreach efforts, innovate, collaborate, and advocate for the health and well-being of all individuals, especially those who are most vulnerable," he further maintained.
Also speaking, the Bishop of Salvation Army, Anambra East Division, Major Nkwachukwu Ezeonyilimba, commended the foundation over what he described as wonderful project, which has contributed in developing Aguata, Orumba North and South and their neighbours.
"It is a wonderful development that Apostle Mbaigbo is committed to making sure that people remain healthy and happy. It is a unique calling from God. May God strengthening him to continue with the programme because it is a greater impact on the populace. People are coming from far and near to check and regain their health and wellbeing," he added.
Contributing, some of the doctors in the medical team, from Enugu State, Dr Okafor Valentine, Mrs Ngọzi Ogbu, Mrs Faith Chiamaka Okeke and Dr Agatha Chinedum hailed the initiative as a worthwhile venture capable of addressing myriads of health issues in a jiffy.
Dr Okafor said, "We run a comprehensive eye check, provide free medical eye glasses, prescribes drugs and make recommendations where possible for people to maintain and sustain good division. We discourage abuse of drugs."
Speaking in separate interviews, some of the patients, Ms Dim Ijeoma and Mr Joseph Umenze, expressed happiness over the programme, which acknowledge to have been helping them and their relatives maintain health and wellness for a decade.