Medical CDS and CPET Members in Ibarapa East Organize Free Medical Services

 
It is a norm in the history of the NYSC for various groups to carry out community development service. On 25 August 2016 it was the turn of Medical in conjunction with CPET Cds group to carry  out community development service at Ibarapa East local government area, which was aimed at sensitizing the community on the need to be health conscious and also giving out free medical services to everyone available. The national anthem was recited as a reminder of our civic responsibilities and allegiance to our great country Nigeria. The chairman Apostle Aderemi NURTW(National Union of Road Transport Worker) chairman Ibarapa East local government gave the opening speech as he welcomed everyone, thanking the NYSC members for the initiative, and urging them keep doing more for the community,after which the Local Government Inspector Mr Adebayo Wasiu commended the group for their effort and also informed the public that it was necessary for the Corp members to impact in lives of the community in which they are posted to,as it is one of the primary reason why the Nysc was initiated , he also said that it was not the first such was carried out and it would not be the last. Then to main event,the first speaker Dr Adegoke Ife talked immensely on malaria and its consequences and how to harness it, before the second speaker Miss Blessing who took the platform to enlighten the community on the need to avoid HIV and AIDS which doesn't show on an individual, invariably means no matter the individual there's possibility that if one doesn't take precautions he or she might contact the disease, then the Mr Seun further strengthen the talk HIV and Aids and 
he urged everyone to carry out their test which would take place on the event ground(new garage Eruwa)carried out by the corps members themselves, then the in-house Dr Awojobi also took the medium to tell the community about breast cancer and how to detect the infection at the early stage before it moves to an irreparable state, he stress that early detection and counsel from a medical practitioner would help fight the cancer before spreading. The day was wrapped up  with the Doctors(Corp members) available at the event  carrying out various test which include; malaria and typhoid test, sugar level test, BP test, dental test, HIV test, etc. Free drugs were given out in respect to what was observed to help the community stay in good condition.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY OF IRAWO

With an ambience of our location being Irawo-ile that seemed like none of them were interested in matters concerning health which was the footing we took off with for the campaign. Irawo-ile located in Atisbo Local Government, Oyo State with a handful of residents in it.

Prior to the D- day of the outreach, as the only two (2) Batch B; C-pets posted to the community under the NYSC SCHEME, we conducted one on one talks with members of the community about health matters and it was deduced that majority of them do not have an idea of what sexually transmitted infections entails and most of them have never tested for HIV.

Materials for the outreach like HIV test kits were sourced from 3 primary health care centres outside the community because the primary health care centre in irawo- ile was not functioning properly. Contraceptives and refreshments were also sourced from the C-Pets’ benevolence.

The outreach started at the Oba’s Palace where he led the movement by making himself an exemplary leader by making himself available for testing giving his followers reasons why they also should engage themselves in the exercise that was about to take off. Awareness and mobilization were done with drummers who engaged the same with rhythm to cause them to come from their farms, various places of work and houses so they can participate also in the outreach.

With the help of my colleague, a translator, my fellow Corp members, the event kicked off with the talk which was tagged ‘Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)/HIV testing and counselling. The attendance was impressive and the individuals present were eager to learn and ask questions.

The outreach came to a halt with the commencement of the free HIV testing and counselling over 50 individuals both first timers came forward to get tested with the aim of knowing their status. All tests came out Negative.

Uriri, Onome Martha

OY/15B/0475

Madaki, Vivian Simon

OY/15B/0135