Rotary International, in collaboration with the Gombe State Government, has conducted a joint community medical outreach aimed at strengthening trust between health workers and local communities while bringing essential healthcare services closer to residents.
Facilitated by Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health under the auspices of Rotary “Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria.”
The outreach, held on Thursday, took place in Gabukka area of Gombe Local Government Area and AT-Shamaki community in Kaltungo LGA.
Over 300 residents benefited from the exercise, including children, pregnant women, and the elderly, who received free consultations, medications, and referrals.
The community heads of Gabukka and particularly the District Head of Kaltungo, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim, expressed delight over the intervention, describing it as a lifeline for underserved communities.
“We are highly impressed with Rotary International,” the District Head said. “This organisation continues to touch the lives of the poor and vulnerable by bringing healthcare services to their doorsteps. Not only in Gombe Local Government, but across the entire state. We are truly grateful.”
A particularly emotional moment occurred when a young boy living with sickle cell disease received blood tonic, folic acid, and antimalarial drugs. Witnesses said the boy broke into tears of joy upon receiving the medications he badly needed.
“He was overwhelmed with happiness,” a health volunteer recounted. “Seeing a child shed tears because he finally has access to essential drugs touched everyone deeply.”
Many elderly residents were screened for high blood pressure, allowing them to know their BP status for the first time. Some were subsequently referred to secondary healthcare facilities for further evaluation and treatment.
Pregnant women also benefited from the outreach, receiving antenatal medications and birth kits provided by Rotary International.
Capacity Building Specialist at Rotary International Mary Alaje, said the organisation remains committed to supporting vulnerable populations.
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between health workers and communities by ensuring that no one is left behind.
“We will continue collaborating with the Gombe State Government to expand these services across the state,” Alaje added.
Residents in both LGAs praised Rotary International and the state government, noting that the initiative has restored hope and improved access to healthcare, especially for the most disadvantaged.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA recalls that Rotary recently inaugurated Community Maternal, Perinatal, Child Death Surveillance and Response (cMPCDSR) Committee for Kaltungo Local Government Area, in a bid to reduce mortality rates.
Where 76 stakeholders participated.
