
Date: November 1, 2024
Location: Egini Primary Health Centre, Egini Community, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria
INTRODUCTION
On November 1, 2024, the NAS Medical Mission was successfully carried out at Egini Primary Health Centre in Egini community, Udu LGA of Delta State. The outreach was initiated to tackle urgent healthcare needs identified within the Egini community and surrounding areas, following a thorough needs assessment.
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES
The medical mission was guided by key objectives formulated after extensive consultations with local stakeholders including community leaders, traditional rulers, and residents. These objectives were as follows:
1. To offer free medical consultations and treatment.
2. To distribute essential medicines and health supplies.
3. To provide health education on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
4. To identify and refer critical cases to secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities.
COMMUNITY PROFILE: EGINI
Egini community is home to an estimated population of 10,000 to 20,000 residents comprising the elderly, adults, youths, and children. The majority of adults are engaged in farming and petty trading. The area is marked by limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and economic hardship—conditions that contribute significantly to the high prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Common conditions include:
Malaria
Upper Respiratory Infections
Typhoid Fever
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Hypertension
Diabetes Mellitus
A single primary healthcare centre serves the community, while the nearest general hospital is located several kilometres away. Access to clean drinking water is also limited, further compounding the public health challenges.
MEDICAL OUTREACH OVERVIEW
The outreach adopted a multidisciplinary approach, including:
Medical consultations and treatment
Laboratory testing and screenings
Drug dispensation
Eyeglasses donation
Referral services for specialized care
Healthcare Volunteer Team:
12 Medical Doctors
3 Pharmacists
2 Ophthalmologists
6 Nurses
2 Laboratory Scientists
3 Data Collectors
Other Support Personnel:
Security (Police and Civil Defence Corps)
Photographers and Videographer
MEDICAL FINDINGS AND INTERVENTIONS
Laboratory tests and consultations revealed widespread health conditions among the residents:
60% of elderly patients presented with Hypertension
15 confirmed cases of uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus
10–18 patients diagnosed with Arthritis
10 patients tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection
3 patients were admitted for 24-hour observation due to Diabetic Ketoacidosis, Pregnancy-related complications, and Severe Malaria
14 patients were referred to Central Hospital, Warri for advanced medical care
Total Patients Attended: 350
Adults: 310
Children (under 18): 40
Female: 270
Male: 50
Occupational Demographics:
80% Farmers
20% Petty Traders
Gender Distribution:
80% Female
20% Male
Religious Demographics:
100% Christian
Age Range of Beneficiaries: 5 – 80 years
Most Common Medical Conditions Treated:
Malaria – 40%
Peptic Ulcer Disease – 70%
Hypertension – 30%
Diabetes Mellitus – 60%
Arthritis – 50%
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
Inadequate access to specialized medical equipment
Logistical difficulties in transporting medical supplies and personnel
RECOMENDATIONS
1. Strengthen Collaboration: Partner with local healthcare providers to enhance continuity of care and local medical capacity.
2. Invest in Medical Infrastructure: Procure specialized medical equipment to enable more accurate diagnosis and treatment during future missions.
CONCLUSION
The NAS Medical Mission at Egini PHC made a significant impact by providing essential healthcare services to a vulnerable population with limited access to quality medical care. The outreach not only met its objectives but also highlighted the urgent need for continuous health interventions and support in underserved communities like Egini.