By: The Enugu Chapter President, National Association of Seadogs, Mr. Joe Mazeli

A recent Free Medical Outreach Program conducted by the Sancta Bermuda Deck of the National Association of Seadogs in Ugwu Na Agbo Community, Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, has brought to light the dire health challenges faced by the residents of this rural community. The outreach, conducted in collaboration with the National Blood Service Commission, aimed to provide essential medical services and raise awareness about critical health issues. However, the findings from this initiative underscore an urgent need for sustained government intervention to address the community’s severe healthcare deficiencies.

Our team encountered a community in desperate need of medical attention. The lack of local medical facilities has left residents vulnerable to a host of untreated ailments. Many of these individuals, predominantly peasant farmers, lack access to basic healthcare services. This dire situation has resulted in widespread health issues that could easily be mitigated with proper medical care.

One of the most alarming discoveries was the high prevalence of eye diseases. Our outreach revealed that approximately 85% of the villagers examined in Ugwu Na Agbo suffer from various eye conditions. During our program, 82 individuals were examined by an ophthalmologist, and 45 were provided with medicated eyeglasses. A foreign body was also removed from one person's eye. This high incidence of eye problems points to a significant, ongoing health crisis that requires immediate and continuous attention.

In addition to eye care, our outreach attended to 153 adults as general outpatients. These individuals presented with conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, acute febrile illnesses, and arthritis—ailments that are exacerbated by the community’s lack of access to regular medical care. The absence of nearby medical facilities forces residents to travel long distances for treatment, often resulting in delayed or neglected care.

The situation is further compounded by the lack of essential amenities. Ugwu Na Agbo, a community of peasant farmers, does not have access to potable water. This lack of clean water contributes significantly to the spread of infectious diseases. Without basic necessities, the health and well-being of the community remain at risk.

Despite these challenges, the spirit of the Ugwu Na Agbo community shone through. The voluntary blood donation drive included in our outreach saw both members of Sancta Bermuda Deck and local residents contributing to the National Blood Service Commission. This willingness to support broader health initiatives demonstrates the community’s resilience and commitment to improving their health conditions. The outreach also included training on Basic Life Support and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), providing residents with essential lifesaving skills. Additionally, health talks focused on lifestyle modifications and disease prevention offered crucial education to a community that has limited access to health information.

The observations from our outreach highlight an urgent need for government action. The establishment of local medical facilities in Ugwu Na Agbo is not just a necessity; it is a matter of survival for the community. Providing immediate and essential care would drastically reduce the need for residents to travel long distances for healthcare, significantly improving health outcomes.

Access to potable water is a basic human right. Investing in infrastructure to ensure that communities like Ugwu Na Agbo have access to clean water would reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and improve overall health.

Given the high prevalence of eye diseases, there is a critical need for sustained eye care programs. Regular eye screenings, provision of eyeglasses, and treatments should be integrated into community health services. This continuous support will help prevent the deterioration of vision and improve the quality of life for many residents.

Continuous health education programs are vital for promoting healthy living and disease prevention. These programs can be conducted through local health workers, community meetings, and media channels, ensuring that residents receive the necessary information to maintain their health.

Recognizing the economic challenges faced by the community, the government should provide support to peasant farmers. Healthcare subsidies, nutritional programs, and economic empowerment initiatives will help residents better manage their health and improve their overall quality of life.

Robust measures to control and prevent infectious diseases are essential. This includes vaccination drives, distribution of mosquito nets, sanitation campaigns, and regular health screenings. Such initiatives will help curb the spread of infectious diseases and protect the community from future outbreaks.

The Free Medical Outreach Program in Ugwu Na Agbo Community has highlighted significant health challenges that require immediate and sustained government intervention. By establishing medical facilities, ensuring access to clean water, and implementing continuous health programs, the government can significantly improve the health and well-being of this community. The resilience and willingness of the community to engage in health initiatives are evident, and this momentum should be supported and harnessed through comprehensive governmental action.

The time for action is now. The health and future of Ugwu Na Agbo Community depend on it.