Over 500 Edo Rural Dwellers Benefit from Free Medical Outreach
No fewer than 500 residents of Zide and Madagbayo communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State have benefited from the fifth edition of the Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation's free medical outreach. This two-day initiative, held from April 4 to 5, 2026, provided essential healthcare services to underserved rural populations, addressing critical health needs during festive periods.
Comprehensive Medical Services Offered
The outreach featured over 35 medical personnel who conducted a wide range of tests and consultations. Services included blood sugar level checks, HIV screenings, Hepatitis B and C tests, blood pressure monitoring, weight assessments, eye examinations, optical dispensing, and general medical consultations. Appropriate medications were also distributed to beneficiaries, ensuring immediate relief and support for various health conditions.
Speaking at the event in Zide Community, the foundation's founder, Goodluck Ebelo, emphasized the initiative's goal of providing free medical care to areas lacking adequate healthcare infrastructure. "We do not have hospitals or healthcare centres in this area, so we felt that during festivals, especially Christmas and Easter, we could invite volunteer doctors and other medical practitioners to the village to address various health challenges affecting the people. This has been ongoing for the past three years," he explained.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Ebelo outlined the foundation's ambitious future plans, which include refurbishing, furnishing, and equipping abandoned government health facilities in the region. Additionally, the foundation aims to engage qualified personnel to operate these facilities, thereby establishing sustainable healthcare solutions for rural communities.
Dr. Hannah Ojo, the Project Director of the foundation, highlighted the initiative's inspiration: preventing unnecessary deaths. "This initiative was conceived as a result of people losing their lives to preventable causes. If there had been access to proper medical care, many of them would have survived," she stated. "Although there are health centres in these communities, they are not functioning optimally. We felt we could help reduce the mortality rate by providing essential healthcare services. For those requiring surgical attention, we also connect them to hospitals where they can receive treatment."
The outreach not only provided immediate medical assistance but also raised awareness about the importance of accessible healthcare in rural areas. By targeting festive periods, the foundation ensures that communities receive support when they might otherwise be overlooked, fostering a culture of health and well-being.
