By Nkoyo Etim
A youth-focused civil society organisation, called Youths On Ground, has launched a free malaria and typhoid fever eradication programme for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The intervention aims to provide free screening and treatment for residents who cannot afford basic medical services.
National Chairman of the organisation, Dr. Obioma Nwuba, disclosed this while speaking during the launch of the outreach programme in Abuja.
He explained that the health intervention forms part of the organisation’s broader commitment to community service and humanitarian support.
According to him, the programme focuses on assisting vulnerable residents who often struggle to access affordable healthcare services.
Dr. Nwuba noted that malaria and typhoid fever remain among the most common illnesses affecting low-income communities across Nigeria.
Initiative Designed to Encourage Youth Service
Dr. Nwuba explained that Youths On Ground established the programme to encourage young Nigerians to engage actively in community development.
He said the organisation focuses on mentoring young people to become responsible leaders through practical service to society.
“I am Dr. Obioma Nwuba, National Chairman of Youths On Ground. Part of our objective is to encourage youths to dedicate themselves to community service,” he said.
He noted that the initiative seeks to build a generation of leaders who demonstrate empathy and compassion toward vulnerable citizens.
According to him, the organisation believes leadership should be rooted in service and concern for the wellbeing of others.
Dr. Nwuba added that community-based programmes remain an effective way to cultivate leadership qualities among young volunteers.
Free Medical Screening and Treatment
During the outreach programme, volunteer medical professionals conducted free screening tests for malaria and typhoid fever.
Residents who participated in the exercise underwent diagnostic tests aimed at identifying the presence of the diseases.
Those who tested positive received immediate treatment without paying any fees.
Dr. Nwuba explained that the programme aims to support individuals who cannot afford routine medical examinations.
“We provided free malaria screening, free typhoid screening and treatment for residents who tested positive during the outreach,” he said.
He added that early diagnosis and prompt treatment play an important role in reducing the health risks associated with the diseases.
Medical volunteers also provided health advice to residents during the programme.
Community Outreach Across FCT Area Councils
The organisation revealed that the health intervention will extend to other communities across the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
Dr. Nwuba explained that the initiative intends to reach more underserved communities within Abuja.
He said the programme will rotate across different locations in order to increase awareness and access to treatment.
“This is something we intend to take around the various area councils of the FCT,” he stated.
He added that the outreach will also focus on educating residents about preventive health measures.
According to him, increased awareness can help reduce the spread of malaria and typhoid in local communities.
Expansion to Other States
Beyond the Federal Capital Territory, the organisation plans to extend the health outreach programme to other parts of Nigeria.
Dr. Nwuba disclosed that the initiative will soon commence similar programmes in Kaduna State and Anambra State.
He explained that expanding the programme will allow the organisation to support more vulnerable communities nationwide.
According to him, volunteers in different states are already preparing to implement the outreach.
Dr. Nwuba emphasised that youth participation remains central to the organisation’s humanitarian activities.
He said the organisation intends to strengthen its volunteer network across the country.
Promoting Empathy Among Youth Volunteers
Dr. Nwuba stressed that the initiative also focuses on building empathy among young volunteers.
He explained that the organisation encourages members to participate in community service programmes regularly.
“Our members develop the spirit of empathy through community service activities like what we have done here today,” he said.
He noted that direct engagement with vulnerable communities helps volunteers understand social challenges more clearly.
According to him, such experiences help shape responsible and compassionate leaders.
Dr. Nwuba added that youth-driven initiatives can play a critical role in addressing community development challenges.
Addressing Public Health Concerns
Public health experts have consistently identified malaria and typhoid fever as major health challenges in Nigeria.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of illness and hospital visits in many communities.
Typhoid fever also continues to affect populations living in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.
Dr. Nwuba said community-based interventions can complement government health programmes.
He explained that civil society organisations often reach communities where healthcare access remains limited.
According to him, collaboration between volunteers and healthcare professionals improves the effectiveness of such interventions.
End.
