Godsent Ogbebor
108 Residents Benefit As NYSC Corps Member, Dr Gift Jegede, Organises Health Outreach In Lagos
Relief came for dozens of women, traders and residents at Idi-Araba Market in Surulere, Lagos, as a free maternal health outreach provided medical screenings, consultations and health education to members of the community.
The intervention, organised under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Community Development Service initiative, drew over 100 beneficiaries, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children and elderly residents who received free healthcare support and medications.
Unlike conventional hospital based programmes, the outreach took healthcare directly to the busy market environment where many women struggle to find time and resources for routine medical care.
Speaking at the event, the project lead, Dr Gift Joseph-Jegede, explained that the initiative was driven by concerns over poor maternal health awareness and the increasing number of women who neglect antenatal care due to financial difficulties, inadequate information and demanding work schedules.
According to her, many pregnant women in local communities still face preventable health risks because they fail to seek early medical attention or proper antenatal support.
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She noted that beyond pregnancy care, the outreach also catered for other urgent health concerns among traders and residents who turned out for blood pressure checks, consultations and drug prescriptions.
Dr Jegede added that the programme supports global efforts targeted at reducing maternal mortality and improving healthcare access for vulnerable groups at the grassroots.
Representatives of the NYSC in Surulere commended the initiative, describing it as a practical example of how corps members can contribute meaningfully to community development beyond their primary assignments.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the medical team, noting that the outreach saved them the stress and financial burden of hospital visits.
A pregnant beneficiary, Morufat Adio, said the exercise helped her understand important aspects of her health and pregnancy, while another trader disclosed that she was able to get medication after previously running out of her prescription drugs.
The organisers urged women to take antenatal care seriously, maintain healthy lifestyles and seek professional medical attention during and after pregnancy to avoid preventable complications.