LAPO free medical: 16,285 benefit from outreach
Lapo Microfinance Bank
LAPO free medical: 16,285 benefit from outreach
The management of Lift Above Poverty Organisation has said that 16, 285 people have benefitted from its free medical outreach since it started in 2015.
The organisation in a statement on Tuesday, in Benin by it President/Chief Operating Officer of LAPO, Faith Osazuwa-Ojo, said the LAPO Community Health Outreach has remained a vital response to the serious health challenges facing rural communities in the country.
She said, “From the very first outreach in Ugha Community, Uhumwonde Local Government Area, Edo State, this intervention has been extended to eight underserved communities across Edo and Oyo States, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, reaching a total of 16,285 community members, including adults and children.
“As we are all aware, Nigeria’s healthcare system continues to face significant challenges. Primary Health Centres, especially in rural areas, are poorly equipped and understaffed, resulting in alarming rates of maternal, newborn, and child mortality. The absence of clean water, sanitation, power supply, and the lack of motivated health professionals further worsen the situation.
“In response, LAPO has remained steadfast in bridging this gap by deploying innovative community-based healthcare solutions. From mobile clinics to health sensitization and educational workshops, our outreach strategy has helped to provide essential services to communities that would otherwise lack access to proper healthcare.
“Our journey in health intervention began in 2012 with the screening of 248 women for cervical cancer under the Edo State Cervical Cancer Programme. Eighteen of those diagnosed with HPV and other predisposing conditions were treated free of charge.”
She stated that the May 9 free medical outreach for 300 pupils of Akengbuda Primary School at Urora Community in IkpobaOkha Local Government Area of Edo State which took place on May 9 was organized in partnership with the state Universal Basic Education Board.
She added, “The outreach represents our ongoing commitment to this cause, and we are proud to note that our beneficiaries are people who would never have had the opportunity to benefit from specialist medical services due to poverty and distance.
“The medical programmes included free dental, skin, eye screenings, tooth extraction, provision of free medication and treatment while there was also referral to any health facilities.”
In his remarks, Headmaster of the school, Enahoro Isaac, commended LAPO for the outreach, but solicited for its sustenance.
Isaac called on other corporate organizations, captains of industries and well to do individuals in the society to emulate LAPO in bringing healthcare services to the grassroots.
