In December 2024, Atta Nwambiri Organization (ANO) carried out a free two-day medical outreach in Egwedu, one of the core communities in Atta Nwambiri. This outreach was organized in response to a growing healthcare gap in the region, especially for underserved families who lack access to quality medical services. The initiative brought together licensed medical professionals, volunteers, and local leaders to deliver primary care, medication, and health education to hundreds of residents. It was a testament to ANO’s continued efforts to restore health and dignity to its people, particularly in rural communities recovering from years of insecurity and neglect.

Egwedu, a vibrant but underserved community in Atta Nwambiri, has long faced healthcare challenges due to poor infrastructure, limited access to hospitals, and financial hardship among residents. To close this gap, ANO launched a medical outreach program just after Christmas, during a time when families were gathered and medical needs often go unattended.

The outreach took place from 26th to 27th December 2024 and provided direct medical intervention to men, women, children, and the elderly, free of charge.

BACKGROUND

Over the years, Egwedu and neighboring villages have struggled with the aftermath of insecurity, poverty, and underfunded healthcare systems. Many residents rely on traditional methods of treatment or delay hospital visits until illnesses become critical. Recognizing this, ANO prioritized a community-based health response tailored to the local realities.

The initiative was particularly vital as it followed harvest season, when injuries and health complications from physical labor are most common, and when many clinics are either closed or overcrowded.

PROJECT GOALS & OBJECTIVES

The medical outreach was designed with the following objectives:

• To provide free primary health care to residents in Egwedu and surrounding villages.
• To promote preventive healthcare through health talks and one-on-one consultations.
• To detect and manage common illnesses including malaria, typhoid, infections, hypertension, and diabetes.
• To support maternal and child health through basic antenatal checks and pediatric consultations.
• To build community trust in healthcare systems by bringing qualified professionals to their doorstep.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES (TIMELINE)

• Pre-event Mobilization (Dec 10–24, 2024)
  Community leaders, church networks, and youth associations were engaged to spread the word. Volunteer registration was conducted. A list of essential medications and medical tools was compiled.
• Day 1 – 26th December 2024
  • Setup of medical stations at Egwedu Central Hall.
  • Registration of patients and vital sign checks.
  • General consultations, diagnoses, drug prescriptions, and treatments.
  • Free malaria tests and treatments administered.
  • Health talk on hygiene, nutrition, and prevention of common diseases.
• Day 2 – 27th December 2024
  • Focused sessions for children and the elderly.
  • Distribution of multivitamins, sanitary pads, and reading glasses.
  • Referrals for patients with advanced conditions.
  • Wrap-up meeting with local leaders to assess needs for future programs.

ACHIEVEMENTS & OUTCOMES

Quantitative Results

• Over 480 patients received free medical attention.
• 300+ units of medicine (antimalarials, antibiotics, multivitamins) were dispensed.
• 50 elderly patients were checked for high blood pressure and other age-related illnesses.
• 30+ children received deworming treatment and supplements.
• 40 women received maternal health consultations.

Qualitative Impact

• Restored confidence in formal healthcare systems.
• Improved health literacy through interactive sessions.
• Rekindled hope and gratitude across the community.
• Built momentum for sustained health partnerships.

CHALLENGES & LESSONS LEARNED

Challenges

• Shortage of volunteer medical staff on the second day.
• Insufficient lab testing capacity, leading to limited diagnostic services.
• High demand for eye and dental care, which were not initially planned for.

Solutions & Lessons

• Community volunteers were quickly trained to manage logistics.
• Feedback from this outreach will guide service scope for future outreaches.
• Next health intervention will include dental, eye care, and mental health services.

SUSTAINABILITY & FUTURE PLANS

• The program laid the foundation for quarterly health outreaches across Atta, Egwedu, and Umunam-Atta.
• Plans are underway to train local health volunteers who can provide basic first aid and referral support.
• ANO is exploring partnerships with hospitals and pharmaceutical donors for future clinics.
• Community members will form health watch teams to report recurring health trends.

CONCLUSION

The Egwedu Medical Outreach was more than a humanitarian gesture—it was an intervention that saved lives, restored hope, and rekindled the spirit of community care. For many, it was their first formal medical consultation in years. ANO remains committed to building healthier communities, one village at a time.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to:

• Volunteer medical professionals
• Community leaders and women associations in Egwedu
• Donors and supporters who made this project possible
• The ANO Outreach & Welfare Team