Youth on Ground Progressive and Mentorship Initiative (YOG), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has raised concerns over the prevalence of malaria and typhoid fever among Nigerians.
Dr Obioma Nwuba, Founder and National Coordinator of YOG, made the assertion on Thursday, during a free two-day medical outreach organised by the group in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra.
Nwuba described malaria and typhoid as silent killers that should not be treated casually, especially during the rainy season when malaria cases tend to increase.
He however, urged Nigerians to seek prompt medical attention whenever symptoms occur.
Nwuba said the large turnout at the ongoing two-day outreach showed that many residents, particularly rural women and youths, were in need of accessible healthcare services.
“Most of these people are primarily here because of malaria and typhoid, and some have had it for weeks and months and because of financial constraints, they have been unable to treat themselves.
“So, they suffer in silence. I urge other organisations to join us in conducting free medical outreaches, especially in the area of malaria and typhoid.
“This period is the time when the disease is very prevalent because of the weather and rainfall. It is a silent killer, so do not see it as ordinary malaria and typhoid,” he said.
He said the outreach was primarily focused on the diagnosis and treatment of malaria and typhoid.
“However, we partnered with the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency and Knowledge Network for Disease Control and Vigilance (KNCV) to provide screening, counselling and treatment for tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and HIV.
” The initiative is taking healthcare services to the grassroots and supporting people who can not ordinarily afford medical care,”he said.
The YOG founder also called on private organisations and other stakeholders to complement government efforts in improving healthcare delivery.
“There is no country that was built by the government alone. Most of the big ideas were nurtured and driven by the private sector.
“Organisations need complement the activities of the government. The President has set up the Renewed Hope Agenda and what organisations need to do is to key in and help government achieve its goal,” he said.
Also speaking, the Anambra Coordinator of YOG, Mr Azubuike Okafor, said the two-day programme targeted 2,000 patients.
Okafor said the initiative would be extended to other parts of the country to ensure that more underserved communities benefited from free healthcare services.
“We had the first one in Abuja and we are here now in Anambra. From here, we are moving to Edo State and later Kaduna too; and we will keep extending it as our capacity can carry,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Mary-Jane Okpara who said she got free malaria drugs, appreciated the YOG for bringing healthcare to the community.
