Over 100 Indigenes of Swali community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsà State have benefitted from a medical outreach hosted by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
According to APWEN, the medical outreach tagged “Healing Hands,Caring Hearts” was carried out to celebrate the Easter season and commemorate the World Health Day by giving back to society in line with APWEN’s commitment to community development.
The association collaborated with the Nigerian Medical Association National committee of Gender and Sexuality (NMA), National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV).
According to the organisers, the event also emphasized the message that ‘health is wealth’ and only a healthy community can get educated and thrive.
Highlights of the Outreach include
Free medical consultations conducted by volunteer doctors, body routine check-ups including blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and vital signs by nurses and midwives.
Also free essential medications were dispensed by licensed pharmacists and Health education sessions on disease prevention and healthy living by the nurses.
Gender-Based Violence awareness talks facilitated by AWAGBV and career talks on the importance of STEM education for girls and sensitization on the objectives of APWEN.
Representative of NMA, Dr. Divine Ebidimie in her remarks said “As doctors, we believe healthcare should reach everyone. Partnering with APWEN BAYELSA gave us the platform to serve this community directly, and the turnout shows how much this was needed.”
The chairman and representative of NANNM, Bayelsa State, Mrs Sonia Mbeleokpo added: “Nurses and midwives are always at the frontline of community health. We are proud to stand with APWEN and Do Foundation to promote preventive care and health awareness in Swali Market.”
The President of AWAGBV, Barr. Dise Ogbise Goddy- Harry also told the beneficiaries that ending Gender-Based Violence starts with awareness at the grassroots and commended APWEN BAYELSA for creating the platform for the engagement.
“When communities are safe and healthy, women and girls can pursue education and careers without fear”, she stated.
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Speaking with newsmen after the event, the Chairman of APWEN BAYELSA Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite expressed profound gratitude to all partners and volunteers, stressing that the outreach reflects what partnership and purpose can achieve.
“To NMA, NANNM, and AWAGBV, thank you for your selfless service and massive turnout.
“To all APWEN BAYELSA members, your dedication continues to inspire generations. To the Swali Community, thank you for trusting us with your health. Indeed APWEN BAYELSA Medical Outreach Season 1 has set a strong foundation for more impact-driven programs.” she said
She reaffirmed APWEN BAYELSA’s commitment to promoting health, education, and the advancement of women and girls in engineering and STEM.
