By Emem Idio, Yenagoa

YENAGOA – of Indigenes of Swali Community, a suburb of the state capital in Yenagoa Local Government Area have benefited a medical outreach sponsored by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN

The outreach tagged “APWEN’s healing hands,caring hearts medical outreach,” was carried out to celebrate the Easter season and commemorate the World Health Day, as part of social corporate responsibility of APWEN’s commitment to community development.

In her speech, the Chairman of APWEN Bayelsa State, Engr. Amalate Ann-Jonathan Obuebite, expressed profound gratitude to all partners and volunteers, outlining that the outreach reflects what partnership and purpose can achieve.

She noted that she outreach was in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association, MMA, National Committee of Gender and Sexuality, NVGS, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives ,NANNM,, and Association of Women Against Gender Based Violence (AWAGBV).

Reaffirming APWEN commitment to promoting health, education, and the advancement of women and girls in engineering and STEM, she stressed that the outreach also emphasized the message that health is wealth’ and only a healthy community can get educated and thrive.

She said : “To all APWEN Bayelsa members, your dedication continues to inspire generations. To the Swali Community, thank you for trusting us with your health. Indeed APWEN Bayelsa medical outreach season 1, has set a strong foundation for more impact-driven programs.

“When communities are safe and healthy, women and girls can pursue education and careers without fear.”

In her speech, the Representative of NMA, Dr. Divine Ebidimie stated the medical profession believes healthcare should reach everyone, adding that partnering with APWEN has given the NMA the platform to serve the Swali community directly, and the turnout shows how much the outreach was needed.

Also speaking, the chairman and representative of NANNM, Bayelsa State, Mrs Sonia Mbeleokpo added, that as nurses and midwives who are always at the frontline of community health, they are proud to stand with APWEN and Do Foundation to promote preventive care and health awareness in Swali Community.

The President of AWAGBV, Dise Ogbise Goddy- Harry, advised the beneficiaries that ending Gender-Based Violence starts with awareness at the grassroots and commended APWEN for creating space for such conversations alongside healthcare delivery.

Key highlights of the outreach include, free medical consultations conducted by volunteer doctors, body routine check-ups including blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and vital signs by nurses and midwives.

Also free essential medications were dispensed by licensed pharmacist and health education sessions on disease prevention and healthy living by the nurses.

Gender-Based Violence awareness talks facilitated by AWAGBV and career talks on the importance of STEM education for girls and sensitization on the objectives of APWEN.