BENIN CITY- As part of Corporate Social Responsibilty to its host communities in the state , Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) in partnership with Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has provided free medical services to over 300 pupils of two primary schools in Obazagbon community in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo state.

The Primary Schools are Obazagbon Primary School and Ogiama Primary School in Obazagbon Community.

Delivering his address at the 17th edition of the LAPO community health outreach on Friday, July 8, 2022 in Obazagbon community, the Executive Director, LAPO, Dr. Honestus Obadiora said LAPO institutionalized its community health outreach in 2015 as a direct response to health challenges in rural communities.

He noted that LAPO has played a major role in addressing maternal and child health challenges in Nigeria occasioned by the deepening poverty conundrum.
Dr. Obadiora, represented by Mrs.Vivian Evbotokhai , Senior Program Officer, LAPO, revealed that a total of 15,649 persons have benefitted from the community health outreaches since its inception in 2015 .

The Executive Director explained that in 2021, LAPO improved the health conditions of 1,575,183 (433,764 males and 1,141,439 females) vulnerable community members across the country in partnership with the LAPO Microfinance Bank Limited.

“A total of 417,007 (104,925 males and 312 ,082 females ) received direct health sensitization and screening services while 1,158,176 (328,818 males and 829,357 females ) were reached through media campaign, information, education and communication materials”, he stated.

“Under the LAPO Community Campaign for Cancer Control (LAPO -C4) project being implemented in Lagos ,Rivers, Edo , Imo and Abuja, the Organization reached three hundred and twenty four thousand ,six hundred and fifty -one (324,651) community members with cancer awareness and basic breast ,cervical and prostate cancer screening between 2016 and 2021, in partnership with Community Based Organizations (CBOs) as a total of 47,350 persons were screened for the ailments while 34,470 persons were referred for further screening and treatment in government approved health facilities.”

He said the 17th edition of LAPO community health outreach in Obazagbon community, was aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable people, especially children within the communities, as access to quality health services in maternal and child health is poor in rural communities with poorly equipped medical facilities , inadequate professional healthcare provider and inaccessibility to clean water , sanitation and power supply.

The 17th LAPO community health outreach provided the pupils of indigent parents in Obazagbon community free health care services, administered by medical consultants and specialists in areas of oral / personal hygiene and eye care services.

In her remarks, Mrs.Jennifer Oviawe , LAPO Regional Manager , disclosed that LAPO in partnership with SUBEB through its school based management committee in the community selected and screened the over 300 school children with the consent of their parents for the health intervention .

Speaking on behalf of heads of the two schools, Miss Ikhile Gloria , Headmistress, Ogiama primary school, described the initiative as laudable, adding that it has brought qualitative health care services to the people at the grassroots.

She however appealed to LAPO to extend similar gesture to the teachers and parents.

On her part , Mrs. Irabor Josephine, Health Officer, (SUBEB) stated that government through the board, had provided the enabling environment through its school based management committee and its field officers for the successful organization of the 17th LAPO community health outreach in Obazagbon community in Edo state.

Speaking on behalf of the Community Head, HRH Victor Iyawe , the secretary, Obazagbon Community, Mr.Abiodun Obayuwana expressed appreciation to LAPO for providing free health care services to children in the Community, adding that it has helped in reducing the financial burden on indigent parents.