Dr. Perpetua Mbanefo, the Country Manager of Helpster Charity US Inc., an international non-profit organization headquartered in the United States, has expressed concern about the limited healthcare access in Nigeria, particularly in remote areas.
She highlighted the challenges faced by children, pregnant women, and young adults in impoverished communities in accessing medical services.
Leading a recent medical outreach in the Ajegunle region of Lagos State, Mbanefo stated that the organization’s mission is to provide healthcare access to underserved communities in Africa and Asia.
The outreach included a medical team comprising two doctors, nurses, and laboratory specialists who conducted health education, deworming, and screening for common illnesses, ensuring treatment where necessary.
“In addition to facilitating access to essential medicare for those that need it, especially children, pregnant women and young adults, through a crowdfunding technology, Helpster, through these outreaches, takes medicare to the remote communities where healthcare is critically needed.
“The turnout today was great. About 200 children and adults were screened and treated for malaria, malnutrition, skin infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, upper respiratory tract infections, and other common diseases. We sensitised them on key health topics and counselled them on living healthily.
“We thank all the volunteers who came out to support us in achieving our programme objective. We also appreciate Pastor David Moses for allowing us to use the church for the programme. It’s good to see that well-meaning individuals are joining forces with Helpster in making a difference in the lives of the residents of poor communities,” Mbanefo said.
Local residents expressed gratitude for a recent medical outreach program organized by Helpster, citing dire need for healthcare services in their community.
Mrs. Beatrice Nwaka, whose child benefited from the program, thanked Helpster and urged other organizations to follow suit.
Benjamin Ekishi, a medical volunteer, praised Helpster’s mission to ensure no child suffers or dies due to lack of medical access.
Since launching in 2023, Helpster’s outreach has positively impacted over 4,000 Nigerian children.