No fewer than 430 residents of Zide and Madagbayo communities in Ovia South-West Local Government Area of Edo State benefited from a two-day free medical outreach organised by the Aaron Ponuwei Ebelo Foundation, underscoring urgent healthcare gaps in rural areas and renewed calls for sustained intervention.
The fifth edition of the foundation’s medical outreach, held between April 4 and April 5, 2026, coincided with the Easter celebration and drew over 35 medical personnel who provided a range of essential healthcare services to residents.
Beneficiaries underwent tests including blood sugar level checks, HIV screening, Hepatitis B and C tests, blood pressure measurement, weight checks, and eye examinations, alongside optical dispensing and general medical consultations.
In addition to on-the-spot care, appropriate medications were distributed free of charge, while patients requiring further medical attention were referred to the General Hospital in Iguobazuwa—the administrative headquarters of Ovia South-West Local Government Area—and other health facilities for continued treatment.
Speaking during the outreach in Zide community, the founder of the Foundation, Mr. Goodluck Ilajufi Ebelo, said the initiative was designed to bridge the healthcare gap in underserved communities, particularly during festive periods.
“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 villages to address various health challenges affecting the people.
“This has been ongoing for the past three years, and this is the fifth of its kind,” he said.
Ebelo further disclosed plans by the foundation to refurbish, furnish, and equip abandoned government health facilities in the area, as well as engage qualified personnel to operate them.
On her part, the Project Director of the Foundation, Dr. Hannah Ojo, explained that the outreach was motivated by the need to reduce preventable deaths in the communities.
“This initiative was birthed 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 said.
“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.” Dr. Ojo added.
Also speaking, the Foundation’s Implementing Partner, Dr. Ugonna Nwigwe, founder of Through The Eye Place, Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the impact of previous outreaches.
“We have interacted with people we attended to in Gbelebu community the last time we were here, to assess their health status. One beneficiary told me how helpful the eyeglasses we provided have been and expressed hope that we would return. It is very rewarding to put smiles on people’s faces in these communities,” she said.
The Team Lead in Zide community, Dr. Oyintare Abraham, highlighted low health awareness among residents, noting a worrying prevalence of hypertension.
“From our observations, it is clear that many people in the community are not well informed about some health conditions. Hypertension is prevalent, even among young people, yet many are unaware of their condition, and some cases are severe. Governments at all levels need to pay greater attention to rural communities,” he said.
Similarly, the Team Lead in Madagbayo community, Dr. Shalom Azenabor, identified infectious diseases as a major concern.
“Generally, infectious diseases are prevalent, along with a number of hypertensive cases. If the local health centre can carry out basic tests, it will greatly benefit the community. We also observed some symptoms that could be related to Lassa fever, although this needs proper investigation by relevant authorities,” he said.
Residents who benefited from the outreach expressed appreciation to the foundation for the intervention.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of Zide community, Zachariah lauded the foundation’s intervention.
“We have never experienced this kind of free medical care, even from the government,” he said, adding that the Foundation had previously intervened in the community by rehabilitating a dilapidated school and employing four teachers who are currently educating the children.
Another beneficiary, Gabriel Aigbekumo, commended the initiative and called on other well-meaning Nigerians to emulate such efforts.
“Government at all levels should rise to their responsibilities. These are services that should ordinarily be provided by the government, yet a single individual is making a significant impact,” he said.
Also, the Youth Chairman of Madagbayo community, Benjamin Olowu, noted that unlike other outreach programmes where fees are charged, the foundation’s initiative was entirely free.
“I have been examined and given medication without paying anything. May God bless those behind this great initiative,” he prayed.
