On the 9th and 10th of August 2024, MEDIX FRONTIERS, in collaboration with ENUGU MEDICAL MISSION, organized a 2-day medical outreach aimed at improving community health, focusing on three major health conditions: hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis B.
The outreach took place at St. Matthew's Anglican Church in Amechi, Awkunanaw, Enugu South LGA of Enugu State, with the goal of creating awareness about key non-communicable and infectious diseases. It was designed to educate, screen, and treat participants while offering free consultations, medications, and minor surgeries.
The event was structured over two days, with participants grouped into two categories each day. Each day began with a health talk aimed at enlightening the attendees on the selected health topics: hypertension, diabetes, and hepatitis B, all of which are contemporary public health concerns.
The discussion on hypertension covered key risk factors such as excessive salt consumption, a diet high in saturated fats, and physical inactivity. Preventive measures were emphasized, including maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, and conducting regular blood pressure checks. Treatment and management techniques, including medications and lifestyle changes, were also addressed.
Next, the focus shifted to diabetes, specifically type 2 diabetes, which is primarily associated with lifestyle factors. Participants were informed about risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, family history, and age. Emphasis was placed on the importance of regular blood sugar monitoring, maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, and adhering to medication for those diagnosed with the condition.
Participants were also educated about hepatitis B, including its modes of transmission, risk factors, and the importance of vaccination as the most effective preventive measure. Safe practices, such as using sterile needles and safe sex practices, were highlighted. Management options currently available were also discussed with the participants.
Following this, participant registration and health screening took place. Attendees were registered to receive various health screenings and services, ensuring that all could be monitored and followed up with, especially those needing further medical attention.
Subsequent key activities included:
Vital signs checks by trained personnel, who monitored participants' vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiratory rate.
Blood glucose tests were conducted, and participants with high readings were advised on lifestyle changes and encouraged to seek further medical evaluation.
Free HIV and hepatitis B screenings were offered to participants who consented, as early detection is crucial in combating the spread of these diseases. Those who tested positive for hepatitis B were informed about the next steps.
After the screenings, participants had one-on-one consultations with medical professionals who reviewed their screening results, provided personalized health advice, and discussed any additional health concerns. For those diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or hepatitis B, management plans were developed based on their individual needs.
Free medications, including antihypertensive drugs, antidiabetic drugs, pain relievers, and vitamins, were prescribed as part of the outreach’s commitment to helping individuals manage their health effectively. Those diagnosed with hepatitis B were given educational materials and to seek specialist care for long-term management.
One outstanding activity that took place was the provision of free and discounted minor surgeries for pre-selected individuals. This section was essentially for individuals who could not afford these procedures. Some participants in this group received free surgeries, while others with more complex cases were offered the surgeries at discounted rates. The end goal of the discount rates was to ensure that they received standard medical care despite the intensive care that would be required.
It was also an excellent opportunity for the medical students involved to gain hands-on and practical experience.
Conclusion: The medical outreach was an overwhelming success regarding the intended goal, which was offering crucial health education, screenings, and medications to the community. We dare say that the outreach made substantial contributions concerning preventive medicine by facilitating the early detection and management of these conditions. This was aimed at promoting healthier living among the participants.
