The International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the World Health Organisation (WHO), in partnership with local partners, will provide data on the health pattern of Ogoniland in 2025.
Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), disclosed this in an interview on Tuesday, December 12, 2024, in Abuja.
He said that the public health study would be conducted by WHO for sustainable health interventions for the residents.
Zabbey said that the unveiling of the free medical outreach was conducted by HYPREP in collaboration with the Association of Ogoni Doctors (AODs) at the Terebor General Hospital, Gokana Local Government Area.
“The project will commence the Public Health Study of Ogoni in 2025.
“Already, the project is constructing the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Buan Cottage Hospital as part of efforts to provide access to quality healthcare in Ogoni.’’
Zabbey said that the project would be strengthening more primary healthcare facilities in 2025.
According to him, the health centres are in Onne in Eleme LGA, Nonwa in Tai LGA, Taabaa in Khana LGA and Bodo in Gokana LGA.
Zabbey also recalled that the project had strengthened health centres in Bori, Terebor, Kpite and Nchia communities.
He added that, under the project, staff quarters were being constructed along remedial works at the K-Dere Primary Health Centre for doctors and community health workers to improve community medicine and access to healthcare in the community.
He assured of the project’s commitment to prioritising the health of Ogoni people.
“The projects include the provision of potable water, construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration of the Ogoni Power Project, livelihood programmes, among others,’’ Zabbey said.
On her part, Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, commended HYPREP for partnering with the state government in providing health care services to Ogoni people through the free medical outreach and other health interventions.
She also assured of the government’s continuous support to HYPREP in the sustainability of the public health projects.
Dr Nwizor Nkadam, AOD’s President, commended HYPREP for prioritising people-centric programmes like free medical outreach.
He added that the group identified with the project in its quest to address the health challenges affecting the people.
The free medical outreach, scheduled for Dec. 16 to Dec. 27 across the four LGAs of Ogoni, will offer free medical consultations and treatments, health education as well as distribution of essential medications to the people.
The outreach comprises health screenings for common illnesses and conditions, surgeries on hernia, appendicitis, cataract, fibroid and dental care.
By Abigael Joshua
