By Patrick Odey
Residents of Esuk-Ewang, a riverine community in Effiat, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, have begun to report benefits from a medical intervention launched by the Effiat and Mbo Host Community Development Trust.
The five-day medical programme, themed “Bringing healthcare closer to the people,” began in Effiat on Wednesday and is expected to provide a range of services including general medical consultation, prostate and cervical cancer screenings, distribution of eyeglasses, and deworming for beneficiaries across Effiat, Ebughu, Ewang, Udesi, and Uda communities.
Some beneficiaries who spoke with our correspondent on Thursday in the community expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as impactful.
“I never thought we would have an opportunity like this in our lives. This is because here in our community, if you need medical services, you have to cross the sea to receive treatment. But here today, that has been brought right here to our doorsteps. It’s a lifesaving experience,” said Mrs Glory Ekpimah, who was screened for breast cancer.
A fisherman, Mr Itabana, said: “I want to thank Effiat and Mbo Community Development Trust for this intervention. Some time ago, I developed eye problems. One day I woke up and discovered that I couldn’t see well again, and all efforts yielded no results until today, when I received this eye glasses free of charge.”
Another beneficiary, Ms Uduak Okon, called for continuity of the programme.
“It will be heart-warming for us if a programme like is sustained from year to year,” she said.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Host Community Development Trust, Mr Inam Okon (SAN), while declaring the programme open, appreciated community members and traditional rulers for their participation.
Okon said the intervention would be conducted annually and noted that medical equipment and other items had been donated to the community.
He said, “We sincerely appreciate the community, especially the king and the chiefs present here today. Thank you for your cooperation and for coming out to support this program. We truly value and appreciate you all.
“These relief materials are being provided by the Board of Trustees (BOT) of Effiat and Mbo Host Community Development Trust, which is being sponsored by Rental Energy Resources Limited.
“The equipment provided includes free drugs and medications, as well as medical equipment used for checking blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and other basic health indicators. In addition, a grass-cutting machine was donated to help maintain a clean and accessible environment around the health center, ensuring that our people can easily access healthcare services in a safe and hygienic setting,” he said.
Lead medical consultant of the programme, Dr Asukwo Onukak, lauded the initiative and urged residents to take advantage of the intervention.
He said each of the five communities targeted about 1,500 beneficiaries, totalling 7,500 persons.
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