SNEPCo launches health campaign in Abuja

In bid of improving overall health and raising awareness of the risks associated with inadequate personal healthcare.

The Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has launched its first medical outreach in the federal capital territory at Gidan Mangoro community of Karu in Abuja, treating more than 4,000 beneficiaries and providing medical supplies to five local primary schools.

The two-day programme in Abuja, this is the latest phase of Shell’s Health-in-Motion programme which was rolled out in the Niger Delta in 2005.

Bayo Ojulari, the managing director of SNEPCo, said the crusade aimed to take free promotive, preventive and curative health services to the hard-to-reach communities in Nigeria.

“We hope to be able to support the efforts of government at all levels in providing accessible healthcare to the people.” said Ojulari.

Ojulari, represented by Shell’s regional community health manager, Akinwumi Fajola, further advised against ignoring early signs of health challenge that could make it difficult for prompt and effective management by medical officers.

Adebimpe Adebiyi represented by the Minister of Health, commended the Health-in-Motion initiative, adding that the federal government is willing to collaborate with SNEPCo to take the programme to other communities in Nigeria.

The exercise provided the opportunity to see health experts who provided full range of health services for free.

A total of 4,224 people from the community benefitted from different health services including include eye, dental, mass deworming, cardiovascular screenings, HIV & malaria testing and breast and cervical cancer screenings services. Three women were treated with cryotherapy on the spot for early stages of cancer of the cervix while 17 women with breast lumps had free mammograms done. 600 people with impaired vision received reading glasses while those requiring further management were referred to the General Hospital Karu.

Besides rendering free health services, team also leveraged the opportunity to educate the community.

The medical outreach was held in collaboration with the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) and had in attendance representative of the FCT Minister,  Mathew Ashikeni; the traditional ruler of Karu, His Royal Highness, Emmanuel Kyauta Yewp; and Chairman of AMAC,  Abdullahi Adamu Candido.

Anthonia Obokoh