Speaking during the first leg of a two-day health programme organised by Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, the member representing Idemili North/South Federal Constituency, Dr. Okonkwo said many people were living with serious conditions such as hypertension and diabetes without being aware of their health status.
“Over 50 per cent of the people we have conducted checks on are suffering from cardiovascular diseases. You will see people with blood pressure of 170, 180, and even 200, yet they are unaware. This could be very dangerous,” she warned. “Our goal is to screen residents, provide treatment where possible, refer patients for further care, and sensitise the public on the importance of regular health checks.”
Focus Areas and Medical Support
The outreach, held in Idemili South, targeted residents across all seven towns in the local government area, with particular attention to cardiovascular health, cancer screening, and eye care. The medical team comprised 10 doctors, five nurses, five optometrists, and two pharmacists, working together to offer consultations, dispense medication, and provide glasses to those in need.
Hon. Uchenna Harris Okonkwo, who organised the programme in partnership with Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Awka, and the Senator Annie Okonkwo Foundation, explained the motivation behind the initiative.
“This programme is for Idemili North and South, and today we are in Idemili South. Tomorrow, we will move to Idemili North,” he said. “As representatives, it is our responsibility to bring the dividends of democracy to our people, but we also want them to be alive and healthy. That is why we organise this annual outreach in memory of my late father, in partnership with the Senator Annie Okonkwo Foundation.”
The programme included counselling sessions on cancer awareness, ongoing management of chronic diseases, and referrals for patients requiring specialised care. Residents were encouraged to maintain regular health check-ups to detect conditions early and prevent complications.
The outreach underscores the need for increased health awareness in rural communities, particularly regarding non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, which remain major health threats in Nigeria.