A quiet rural town in Igbo Etiti LGA came alive on Saturday, June 7, 2025, as a convoy of healthcare professionals and volunteers from the Imo State University (IMSU) Alumni Association, Enugu Unique Chapter, arrived in Aku to deliver free, life-changing medical services to hundreds of underserved residents.
The outreach now in its third edition was not just a show of charity but a bold intervention in the ongoing healthcare access crisis affecting Nigeria's rural communities. Organized in collaboration with Emeka Amadi & Family, the event treated 456 beneficiaries, offering general and family medicine, eye and dental screening, mental health counseling, malaria testing, hepatitis and blood glucose checks, and even minor surgeries completely free of charge.
Major E. I. Ogbenna of Nigeria Army who is a member of the Alumni and the leader of Mental Health Team for sensitization of Youth, on effects of substance abuse, reported that, during the event, Youths were sensitized on the ravaging effects of drugs abuse, it's health and social implications as well as the exorbitant cost of management. He added that at the end, random drug test was conducted.
Speaking further, Major Ogbenna revealed that two peculiar cases that requires urgent expert attention and Management were identified and were referred accordingly to see specialists. He stated that the two cases can be managed at 82 Division, Nigeria Army Medical Services/Hospital, Enugu, with lesser resources compared with private Hospitals.
“We are not just alumni; we are agents of change,” said Comr. Gerald Ikwuneme, Chairman of the Enugu Chapter. “This outreach is about bringing hope to where it is most needed.”
Held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the outreach was the result of months of grassroots mobilization, strategic partnerships with local leaders and churches, and the coordinated effort of over 35 medical and logistical volunteers. The team included 8 medical doctors, 5 nurses, 4 dentists, 4 lab scientists, and a nutritionist, supported by a robust dispensary and logistical crew.
“Some patients came in with dangerously high blood pressure, unaware of their condition. This outreach may have saved lives today,” said Victor Uzochukwu Mbama, Chairman of the Medical Outreach Committee.
The program not only addressed urgent medical needs but also reignited community spirit. Elders offered blessings, youth assisted with logistics, and villagers shared meals with the medical team, underscoring that healing isn’t just clinical; it’s communal.
“This isn’t just service delivery—it’s solidarity,” said Prof. Uche Ogbuke, Vice Chair of the Chapter and native of the host community. “We’re seeing what’s possible when people come together with purpose.”
While the outreach marked a major success, the team noted critical gaps, especially in dental care, eye services, and consultation space, fueling plans to expand with mobile clinics and deeper partnerships. The 4th edition is already underway, with renewed calls for sponsors and medical volunteers.
“This must not end here,” said Dr. Martin Nnaedozie, head of the medical team. “We’ve started something powerful—and we owe it to these communities to continue.”
As dusk settled over Aku, what remained was more than the memory of medicine dispensed. It was a living testament to what can happen when educated minds and compassionate hearts unite, not just to serve, but to stand with the forgotten.
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