By Agbonlahor Felicia
In commemoration of the International Day Of Older Persons, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (M-RITE), Heartland Alliance LTD, and St. Monica’s Home for the Elderly, embarked on a free Medical Outreach in Benin City to improve the wellbeing of aged citizens in the State.
The International day of older persons is celebrated annually across the globe to create awareness of the impact of an aging population and the need to ensure that people can grow old with dignity and continue to participate in society as citizens with full rights. The celebration in Benin, the Edo State capital featured a host of activities.
Speaking at the event which was held at Okhoro Community in Benin City, the Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Dr. Izedonmwen Omosigho expressed his gratitude to the elderly for taking out time to attend the event.
Dr Omosigho reiterated the government’s commitment to making healthcare services more accessible to the elderly in Edo State, while urging the elderly to adhere strictly to all safety measures adopted to fight Covid-19 as they are more vulnerable to contracting the virus because of their health status.
He also encouraged the elderly persons present to take advantage of the free medical outreach which was a part of the celebration, to check their health status and take their drugs judiciously.
Also speaking at the event, the Edo State lead for M-RITE, Dr. O. E Obarisiagbon while addressing the group highlighted the fatality of the Coronavirus, encouraging the elderly to adhere strictly to the safety measures and make themselves available for vaccination.
She also advised on eating healthy, pointing out that diets rich in vegetables and light physical exercise like walking at least 3 times a week, can help boost their immunity and keep them healthy.
The Director of Disease Control and Immunization (EDSPHCDA), Dr Gideon Iraoyah while delivering the keynote address, expressed his satisfaction with the turn out of the elderly people for the outreach and noted that the concern for the health and wellbeing of the elderly should not be left for the government alone but that members of the society should partner with the government to ensure that their senior citizens are healthy and well looked after.
Similarly, the Director of Community and Family Health Services (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Idemudia Osayomore who was also present at the event, asserted that the elderly require proper medical care because they are particularly susceptible to illnesses.
The high point of the event was the free medical examination for the elderly which included Blood Pressure check, Body Mass Index (BMI) check, Blood Sugar, Covid test, and Covid-19 vaccination. The elderly were also treated for minor ailments such as hypertension, malaria, and diabetics.
