By Paul Olayemi

Sapele – The Rotary Clubs in District 914 have once again demonstrated their commitment to humanitarian service by holding the 2024 Rotary Family Health Days in Sapele, Delta State. The week-long event, which began on October 22nd, at Okpe Hall in Olympia, Sapele, with Rotary Clubs of Sapele Urban, Gateway, GRA, Metropolitan, City Centre, and Rotaract clubs in Kinshasa zone in partnership with Maden Health Care foundation as partners participating, saw a large turnout of residents benefiting from free medical services, including health check-ups and medication.

Rotarian Obi Matilda, Site Chair for the Sapele zone, emphasized the global significance of Rotary’s initiative in her opening remarks. “Rotary Family Health Day” is an international program carried out by Rotary annually, where our core family all over the world offers free medical services to communities. The services range from dental care, deworming, HIV tests, malaria checks and treatment, high blood pressure check, blood sugar check, prostrate cancer check, tubercluosis check, distribution of mosquito nets, sanitary towels, male and female condoms, etc and dispensing of free drugs to patients,” she explained.

Matilda further highlighted that in addition to health-related services, Rotary is involved in other humanitarian projects, including the provision of boreholes to schools and healthcare centres. “We not only focus on health, but also on improving the infrastructure of our communities,” she added.

Rotarians from various clubs shared their insights on the importance of the outreach. Rotarian Oghenewaire Ogodo, President of the Rotary Club of Sapele Gateway, expressed pride in the initiative. “This is a long-standing Rotary tradition. Every year, sometimes, twice a year, we provide free medical services to communities. Today, people can check their blood pressure and blood sugar levels and receive treatment for malaria, all at no cost. The current economic situation makes it hard for many to afford healthcare, so this outreach is essential,” she said.

Speaking on the outreach’s impact, Rotarian John Alotte, President of the Rotary Club of Sapele Metropolitan, described the event as a nationwide annual program tied to World Polio Day celebrations. “From the 22nd to the 26th of October, we are offering free medical services, immunizations, and medications to the Sapele community and its environs. We have a team of resource personnel and medical staff on hand to ensure the smooth running of the event,” he stated.

President of Rotary Club of Sapele City Centre, Rotarian Kenneth Aigbomia, also spoke about Rotary’s commitment to giving back. “Rotary is about serving others more than ourselves. Events like these allow Rotarians to benefit from the services they provide, ensuring that everyone, including our members, stays healthy to continue serving the society,” he said.

Other Rotarians echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the centrality of healthcare in Rotary’s mission. Rotarian Eugene, President of the Rotary Club of Sapele GRA, noted, “Health is a critical area of focus for Rotary. As Rotarians, we impact lives, and it brings us great joy to be able to offer these services to those in need.”

Rotarian Mujakperuo Florence, Polio Chair of Sapele Metropolitan Club, reiterated the significance of the event. “We take health very seriously. Rotary has always prioritized free services, from providing school supplies to ensuring access to healthcare. Everything here, from registration to treatment and medication, is completely free,” she said.

Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to Rotary International for the initiative. Mary Aramogho, a resident of Sapele, said, “I came here to check my blood pressure and sugar level. They gave me medication, all free of charge. I want to thank them, and I pray that God continues to bless and provide for them.”

Another beneficiary, Samson Mukoro, shared his experience. “I was the second person here this morning. They checked my sugar level and blood pressure, and both were normal. They didn’t charge me a dime, and they gave me free medication. I am deeply grateful to the Rotary members who made this possible,” he said