The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Anambra State has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing rural healthcare with the official launch of the second quarter edition of its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD). The event took place at the Enugwu-Ukwu Civic Centre, Nkwo Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area, delivering free medical services to more than 230 underserved residents.
Organized collaboratively by NYSC Anambra State, corps medical personnel, and local stakeholders, the initiative provided comprehensive healthcare services including diagnosis, treatment, and medication. Beneficiaries primarily came from Alor Community and neighboring villages, receiving care from a multidisciplinary team comprising NYSC doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, physiotherapists, optometrists, dentists, and other healthcare professional.
During the flag-off ceremony, NYSC Anambra State Coordinator, Mrs. Pauline Ojisua, emphasized the importance of the HIRD programme as a flagship intervention designed to close the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas.
“The HIRD programme exemplifies the NYSC’s dedication to delivering accessible, quality healthcare to underserved populations,” Mrs. Ojisua said. “Through the tireless efforts of our corps medical personnel, this initiative provides not only free medical care but also health education and disease prevention outreach to rural communities.”
She highlighted the programme’s success in tackling common health challenges across the state, including malaria, hypertension, diabetes, and maternal and child health concerns. The Enugwu-Ukwu outreach formed part of a larger strategy to promote healthier living and greater health awareness among rural populations.
Emphasizing preventive care, Mrs. Ojisua encouraged community members to embrace healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition, regular exercise, good hygiene, adequate hydration, and routine health screenings.
“These preventive measures are vital for long-term wellness and must become integral to everyday life,” she added.
Her remarks were warmly received by traditional authorities, community leaders, and beneficiaries present at the event.
Representing His Royal Majesty Igwe Ralph Ekpeh, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Mr. Joel Okafor expressed heartfelt appreciation to NYSC for selecting their community for this impactful outreach.
“We deeply appreciate this initiative. Our people have long struggled with limited access to basic healthcare, and today we witnessed young Nigerian professionals offering their services selflessly, driven by purpose rather than profit,” Okafor remarked.
He pledged ongoing community support and called on government and private sector stakeholders to increase investments in rural health development.
Now in its second quarter after a successful debut in Alor, Idemili South, the HIRD programme continues to serve as a model for effective public health engagement, combining volunteerism, community involvement, and inter-agency collaboration to uplift vulnerable populations in Anambra State.
As the event drew to a close, Mrs. Ojisua urged individuals, organizations, and government agencies to support the sustainability and expansion of the initiative.
“Let us all remember: health is wealth. By improving rural health, we strengthen families, empower communities, and build a resilient Nigeria.”