Poverty Causing Avoidable Deaths In Rural Communities –Group

As part of its efforts to reduce health-related avoidable deaths attributed to the poverty of persons residing in rural communities, a group known as 1019 Initiative has launched a five-day free medical outreach at Adeyongo, Vandeikya local government area of Benue State.

The group’s leader, Tersoo Ukechir, explained in an interview with our correspondent at the end of the outreach that about 10,000 people had benefitted from the free medication. He said it was targeted at vulnerable populations with varying diseases to enable them to have access to quality healthcare services without spending a dime.
Ukechir, who attributed the high increase in deaths, especially of children in rural communities, to poverty, said, “1019 Initiative free medical outreach is designed to enhance access to quality healthcare, especially for marginalised populations. We are doing this to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and garner support for his potential re-election bid in 2027.

“We aim to deliver free, quality healthcare services to the poorest of the poor across all 23 local government areas in Benue State and Nigeria,” Ukechir said. A healthy population is a productive population, and this initiative will help reduce poverty and improve the overall well-being of our communities.”

In addition to the free medical outreach, the 1019 Initiative has embarked on various other social impact projects, including free transportation services, scholarships, and school renovations.

Chief Ezekiel Kunkun, the Kindred Head of Mbatsembev, Tsambe District, expressed gratitude for the initiative, highlighting its significant impact on the lives of residents, adding that the community has widely welcomed the outreach.

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“We were informed about this free medical outreach just yesterday, and the turnout has been overwhelming,” Kunkun said. “This initiative has provided services we never imagined, and we are truly grateful.”

Beneficiaries like Dooshima Aondowase have also praised the initiative, acknowledging the challenges of accessing quality healthcare in rural areas.

The free medical outreach offers various services, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and treatments for different ailments. By providing essential healthcare services and community development initiatives, the 1019 Initiative is making a substantial contribution to the well-being of Benue State residents and strengthening support for President Tinubu’s political aspirations.