In a bid to alleviate health challenges within underserved communities, the Rotary Club of Sapele Urban, District 9141, conducted its second Rotary Family Health Day at the Amukpe Healthcare Center, Amukpe, Sapele Local Government Area, Delta State.

The initiative, aimed at providing free medical services, drew hundreds of beneficiaries and underscored Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian interventions.

President Festus Emoefe Oseni while overseeing the exercise, emphasized that the Rotary Family Health Day is an annual global mandate of Rotary International. He stated, “As an organization renowned for humanitarian service, we launched this second edition to reach more residents, including those unable to participate during the first edition held in October 2024. Our goal is to bridge gaps in healthcare accessibility.”

The event saw collaboration from Rotary members and community leaders. Past President Happy Tosan Mene of the Rotary Club of Sapele Gateway, though not a member of the Sapele Urban chapter, praised the initiative after receiving free medical checks and drugs. He remarked, “I commend the President and members of Sapele Urban for this impactful outreach. Such efforts truly reflect Rotary’s spirit of service above self.”

Rotarian Julius Egwuvwebere Past Assistant Governor and member of the Sapele Urban Club, urged communities to prioritize health by embracing such programs. “Rotary remains dedicated to uplifting society, particularly in healthcare. We encourage everyone to take advantage of these services for their well-being,” he said.

Rotarian Obi Matilda, Site Representative for the Sapele Rotary Family Health Days, outlined the scope of medical interventions. She revealed that the exercise covered malaria screening and treatment, deworming, hypertension and diabetes checks, HIV and prostate screenings, family planning services, Vitamin A administration, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets, sanitary pads, and oral polio vaccines (OPV) for children.

“Our mission is to offer comprehensive, free healthcare to families, particularly the vulnerable,” Matilda added. The OPV distribution targeted polio prevention, aligning with Rotary’s global eradication campaigns. Health workers were on hand to administer tests, dispense medications, and educate beneficiaries on preventive care.

Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention. Doris Edema, a resident, stated, “I received malaria treatment and a mosquito net. This initiative has saved many of us from costly hospital visits.” Another participant, Theresa Egwe, praised the hypertension and diabetes screenings, calling it “a lifeline for the elderly.”

Chukwuma Okorie, who benefited from the prostate screening, urged Rotary to sustain the program. “Many men ignore prostate issues until it’s too late. This exercise has opened our eyes,” he said. Participants offered prayers for the club, seeking divine blessings for its humanitarian efforts.

The Rotary Club of Sapele Urban reaffirmed its commitment to expanding health interventions across Delta State. President Oseni hinted at plans to partner with local governments and stakeholders to scale up future editions, ensuring broader reach and impact.

The event concluded with over 500 residents receiving free medical care, reinforcing Rotary’s legacy as a beacon of hope in community development. As the club continues to align with Rotary International’s health-focused agendas, stakeholders remain optimistic about reducing preventable diseases in the region.