Abuja: The National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), in collaboration with the One World Initiative for Sustainable Development, has launched a medical outreach programme aimed at providing healthcare services to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Abuja. The programme commenced at the New Kuchingoro IDP Camp, focusing on vulnerable women, children, and other displaced individuals in urgent need of healthcare support.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Head of Planning Department at NCFRMI, Mr. Sam Sam, stated during the inauguration ceremony that the initiative was developed to tackle significant health issues identified through a recent needs assessment in selected camps. The commission, in partnership with stakeholders, surveyed 7,776 displaced individuals and 1,246 vulnerable men, women, and children, uncovering substantial healthcare deficiencies among the camp residents.
Mr. Sam emphasized that the medical outreach is part of the broader effort to p
rovide immediate humanitarian aid while also working on long-term solutions for the welfare and reintegration of displaced persons. Beneficiaries of the programme are set to receive free health screenings, including malaria tests, blood pressure and blood glucose checks, treatments for malaria, deworming services, and referrals for specialized care where necessary.
Mr. Timothy Achanya, President of the One World Initiative for Sustainable Development, remarked that the outreach was initiated following an agreement between the organization and NCFRMI to offer humanitarian aid to refugees and IDPs across Nigeria. He highlighted that the programme is a rapid response to immediate medical challenges, laying the groundwork for future empowerment initiatives such as life-skills acquisition programmes.
The outreach also includes health education on hygiene, nutrition, vaccination, maternal health, and chronic disease prevention. Mr. Achanya revealed plans to replicate such interventions in other parts of the count
ry, particularly in communities affected by displacement and humanitarian crises. He appealed to government agencies, development partners, and well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts aimed at enhancing the welfare of displaced persons.
Mrs. Deborah Azeez, representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Department of Public Health, noted that the outreach would improve access to essential healthcare services for residents of the camp. Health officials are conducting tests for blood pressure and blood sugar levels, alongside deworming exercises, to prevent common health complications among displaced persons.
The News Agency of Nigeria further reports that other partners supporting the outreach include the FCT Department of Public Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme, and other public-spirited Nigerians. The New Kuchingoro IDP Camp, which houses more than 1,200 displaced individuals, stands to benefit significantly from this intervention.