In commemoration of the International Day Of Older Persons, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE), Heartland Alliance LTD, and St. Monica’s Home for the Elderly have embarked on a free Medical Outreach in Benin City to improve the well-being of the aged citizens in the state.
The International day of older persons which is celebrated annually all over the world to create awareness of the impact of an aging population and the need to ensure that people can grow old with dignity and continue to participate in society as citizens with full rights was celebrated in Benin City with lots of activities.
Speaking at the event which was held at Okhoro Community in Benin City, the Executive Secretary, Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Izedonmwen Omosigho expressed his gratitude to the elderly for taking out time to attend the event.
While addressing the elderly, Dr. Izedonmwen Omosigho reiterated government’s commitment to making health care services more accessible to the elderly in the state.
Dr. Izedonmwen urged the elderly to adhere strictly to all safety measures of Covid – 19 as they are more vulnerable to contracting the virus because of their health status.
The Executive Secretary, therefore, encouraged the elderly to take advantage of the free medical outreach to check their health status and take their drugs judiciously.
Also speaking at the event, the Edo State lead, MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE), Dr. O. E Obarisiagbon while addressing the elderly noted that Covid – 19 is deadly and as such they should adhere to the safety measures and make themselves available for vaccination.
She also advised that they should always eat diet rich in vegetables and engage in light physical exercise like walking at least 3 times a week.
The Director of Disease Control and Immunization (EDSPHCDA), Dr Gideon Iraoyah while giving a keynote address, expressed his satisfaction with the turn out of the elderly people for the outreach and noted that the concern for the health and wellbeing of the elderly should not be left for the government alone but the society who should partner with the government to ensure that their senior citizens are healthy.
In the same vein, the Director of Community and Family Health Services (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Idemudia Osayomore who was also present at the event, asserted that the elderly requires proper medical care because they are particularly susceptible to illnesses.
The high point of the event was the free medical examination for the elderly which includes a Blood pressure check, Body mass index (BMI) check, Blood sugar, Covid test, and Covid – 19 vaccination. The elderly were also treated for minor ailments such as hypertension, malaria, and diabetics.
