By Adenike Okunrinmeta
Studies had revealed that Nigeria people hardly access health facilities most especially the uneducated community members. Proximity, Time factor and poverty are major constrain to the access ability of orthodox hospitals. Hence most community members relied on untrained personnel known as Auxiliary Nurses and Traditional Birth Attendance.
There is huge misconception information on various health issues among community members in Nigeria. Different studies had shown lack of knowledge, inadequate and insincere information on different health issues. Most health issues like Hypertension, Diabetes and Malaria are often misunderstood with regards to causes, prevention and treatment. A lot of patients in Nigeria who have been diagnosed of hypertension and diabetes are not compliant with their drugs, while some have no access to good drugs and this often results in complications and possible death.To reduced the death rates and possible complications of the mentioned ailments YCP launched a Community Health Outreach programme; Tag “CLINIC AT YOUR DOOR STEP” in Ogun, Ondo and Lagos State.
The project is to educate and create awareness among community members on the importance of most ailments threatening the health of Nigerians and Africa as a whole. The health services include health education and promotion activities, health screening for hypertension, malaria and diabetes; which according to WHO reduces the life expectancy of Nigeria people. Treatment of minor ailments such as malaria, diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infection to mention a few. On drug revolving basis and referral to primary health centers.
All these are provided at acost less than a dollar per client. Benefit to Community;
Promoting health, narrowing the gaps and reducing inequalities.
Community engagement, participation and ownership.
Capacity building of community members and leaders who participate in various ways.
Promote health consciousness for screening, early detection of diseases.
Discourage the misuse and abuse of drugs.
Measuring impacts of the program by comparing incidence of diseases on repeated visits.
Clustering of health conditions in certain are evident from health screening allowing for more research on the environment and health.
Strengthen in glocal accountability in the public health sector to encourage collaboration.
Impact on the communities: The Youth care community outreach projects has impacted largely on the members of the communities in various ways;
Improved knowledge on disease prevention and health promotion among community members.
Health post cited within a walking distance of community members has impacted positively on health seeking behaviours.
Reduced time spent in accessing health for early detection of diseases minor injuries and ailments ensuring small scale business owners do not lose their daily wages.
Reduced cost in accessing health from the Youth Care community outreach projects due to provision of subsidized services and the
removal of bureaucratic bottle-necks.
-Okunrinmeta is Project Coordinator,Youth Care Project
