AGHALOKPE/Nigeria: Hundreds of residents of Aghalokpe turned out on Saturday to benefit from the fifth phase of the Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach initiated by Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District. The programme, held at the Aghalokpe Primary Health Centre, was organised in partnership with the National Health Fellows and drew wide participation from all age groups in the community.
By early morning, the health centre was bustling with activity as elderly residents, pregnant women, and youths queued for free medical checkups. The outreach, which commenced officially at 10:00 a.m., opened with a speech by Pharm. Ojeje Victory, Health Fellow representing Okpe LGA, who coordinated the exercise with Mr. Sunday Edevwie of Ughelli North LGA, serving as interpreter for local attendees.
Chief Onome Yegbeburu, delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Senator Dafinone, described the initiative as part of the Senator’s ongoing commitment to making healthcare accessible to every community in Delta Central. “Health is the foundation of a strong community,” Yegbeburu said. “Senator Dafinone’s vision ensures that no community is left behind in receiving vital medical services.”
A health education session by Mr. Chinedu of the World Health Organization emphasized the importance of early detection and lifestyle management in combating diabetes and hypertension. “These conditions often go unnoticed until it is too late,” he cautioned, urging residents to engage in regular health screenings.
The event reached a peak of enthusiasm with the arrival of DNS Evelyn Egbezomo, Medical Officer of Health and Executive Secretary of Okpe Local Government Health Authority, who received a warm welcome from the crowd. Many residents described her presence as a long-awaited recognition of their community’s healthcare needs. “Today, we feel remembered,” said Mrs. Felicia Oghene, a 70-year-old widow.
Medical personnel carried out screenings for blood sugar, blood pressure, and tuberculosis, while an eye clinic provided vision tests and free eyeglasses. By the end of the day, over 120 residents had received eyeglasses, and more than 200 individuals benefited from various medical services. A pharmacist conducted counseling sessions on medication management, reinforcing the importance of adherence to prescribed treatments.
Preliminary health data revealed significant concerns. Forty participants recorded dangerously high blood sugar levels above 300 mg/dl, while another 40 had mildly elevated readings. Blood pressure assessments showed over 60 residents with readings above 150/100 mmHg, and 26 presumptive TB cases were identified, highlighting the need for continuous health awareness and intervention.
For beneficiaries like farmer Afigbere John, the outreach provided critical relief. “I’ve been struggling with poor vision for months,” he said, smiling as he adjusted his new glasses. “The free tests and treatment have changed my life.” Mrs. Mary Odioneve, who discovered her high blood pressure during the exercise, expressed similar appreciation, noting that without the outreach, she might not have known about her condition.
As the programme concluded, DNS Egbezomo praised Senator Dafinone for sustaining the outreach over multiple phases. “This initiative goes beyond politics; it is true service to humanity, bringing essential healthcare directly to the people who need it most,” she said.
For the residents of Aghalokpe, Saturday’s event was more than a health programme—it was a testament to the power of consistent, community-focused representation. For Senator Ede Dafinone, the overwhelming turnout and grateful smiles reinforced that his vision for a healthier Delta Central is steadily becoming a reality.
