Over 80 benefit from APWEN medical outreach in Bayelsa
No fewer than 80 residents of the Swali community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have benefited from a medical outreach organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
The outreach, tagged “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts”, was held on Monday to mark the Easter season and commemorate World Health Day, in line with APWEN’s commitment to community development.
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*NMA's representative, Dr Divine Ebidimie
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
No fewer than 80 residents of the Swali community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State have benefited from a medical outreach organised by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN).
The outreach, tagged “Healing Hands, Caring Hearts”, was held on Monday to mark the Easter season and commemorate World Health Day, in line with APWEN’s commitment to community development.
The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and the Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV).
Organisers said the initiative underscored the message that “health is wealth”, noting that only a healthy community can thrive and pursue education effectively.
Activities during the outreach included free medical consultations by volunteer doctors, routine health checks such as blood pressure and blood sugar tests, as well as weight and vital signs assessments conducted by nurses and midwives.
Essential medicines were also distributed free of charge by licensed pharmacists, while participants received health education on disease prevention and healthy living.
The event also featured awareness sessions on gender-based violence facilitated by AWAGBV, alongside career talks encouraging girls to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and sensitisation on APWEN’s objectives.
A representative of the NMA, Dr Divine Ebidimie, said the outreach provided an opportunity to deliver healthcare directly to underserved communities.
Chairperson of NANNM in Bayelsa State, Mrs Sonia Mbeleokpo, highlighted the critical role of nurses and midwives in promoting preventive healthcare at the grassroots.
Similarly, President of AWAGBV, Barrister Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry, emphasised the importance of awareness in tackling gender-based violence, noting that safe and healthy communities enable women and girls to pursue education and careers without fear.
Speaking after the event, Chairman of APWEN Bayelsa, Mr Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, expressed appreciation to partners and volunteers, describing the outreach as a demonstration of the impact of collaboration. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to advancing health, education, and opportunities for women and girls in engineering and STEM fields.
