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


MEDICAL IMPACT

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.