Rotaract Club Takes Free Healthcare Outreach To Abuja Community

In a show of commitment to community health, the Rotaract Club of Lugbe FHA, in collaboration with Wellness For All, launched a comprehensive health outreach to the Karonmajigi community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The multi-faceted outreach, which attracted over 120 residents, took place at the Chief’s Palace. Karonmajigi community is an adopted community of the Rotary Club of Lugbe.

Speaking during the outreach, Rosemary Ojo, the President of the Rotaract Club of Lugbe FHA, said the initiative focused primarily on general wellbeing. It featured HIV testing, health education, and other services.

“The impactful outreach consists of HIV testing, blood sugar checks, and vital sign monitoring, which includes blood pressure. Those who test negative for certain conditions are eligible for a three-dose vaccination, while those who test positive are referred for further treatment.

“Rotary is about service above self. We are committed to improving lives in Karonmajigi community and beyond, especially among women, children, and vulnerable groups,” she added.

She noted that December is Disease Prevention Month in Rotary International, and that they organised the project to provide basic healthcare tests to community members.

“We targeted about 100 persons here, aged 15 to 50 years, women, men, boys, and girls within this age range. We conducted HIV testing, blood sugar checks, and vital sign monitoring for the community, which included blood pressure.

“We also held an interactive session where a doctor spoke on health concerns related to HIV, blood sugar, and blood pressure, and how to manage these for prevention.

“In addition, we had a section for a clothing drive. Participants were able to select any item they wanted from the donated clothes,” she said.

She explained that the outreach was necessary because some people in the community may not have access to hospitals, while others may perceive hospital fees as too high.

“Many people still do not know their HIV status. That is why we have brought this initiative to the community, so they can participate. Everybody should have access to healthcare.

“If you have the opportunity to give back to society, take it to people who really need it. The government can also equip healthcare centres so that people can access services at minimal cost,” she said.

Similarly, the executive director of Well-Life Foundation, Dr Yakubu Ibrahim, said they partnered with the Rotaract Club of Lugbe FHA as a form of community service to sensitize people on issues around HIV, hepatitis, and general health.

“At Well-Life Foundation, our main goal is to create health awareness and provide health interventions, especially to underserved communities,” he said.

Meanwhile, the secretary to the Chief of Karonmajigi community, Adamu Audu, expressed appreciation to the Rotary Club and its partners for their continuous support.

Similarly, Saadatu Shaibu, Women Leader of APC Gwarinpa Ward, commended the initiative as laudable and thanked the Rotary club for the outreach, particularly for the vulnerable in the community.