In commemoration of this year’s World Refugee Day, the Nigerian Red Cross Society in Enugu in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, and the Standing Committee on Human Rights and Peace, SCORP, University of Nigeria Medical Students Association have organized a free medical outreach for persons of concern in the state.
Declaring the event open, NCFRMI South-East Zonal Coordinator, Barr. Mrs Jane Molokwu stated that World Refugee Day was an annual event to celebrate and honour refugees around the world.
“Today we recognise the strength of refugees who have fled the conflict and persecution in their country in the hope of safety and a better life. Refugees and displaced persons belong to the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society and we have come together to raise awareness about their plight around the world and efforts to protect their human rights.
Barr. Molokwu further called for support from organizations and well-meaning Nigerians to adequately meet the needs of these persons.
“There are hundreds of displaced persons and refugees in dare need in Enugu who fled their country to Nigeria for safety. We are calling for support and collaboration from organizations and good-spirited Nigerians to ameliorate their situation and recovery process.”
Highlighting the importance of regular medical check-ups, the Health Coordinator of the Red Cross in the state, Mrs Jessie Maduekwe said that it helps know one’s health status and discover potential issues before they become a problem.
Early detection she said gives the best chance for getting the right treatment quickly and avoiding any complication.
Read Also: Bayelsa Governor, Diri Swears In Wife As High Court Judge
She, therefore, admonished beneficiaries to regularly visit the hospital to have their bodies checked.
In his speech, the SCORP Local Officer in the state, Mr Wisdom Ogbonna stated that World Refugee Day was observed in all medical schools of interest across the nation to celebrate refugees, their strength and support them in the organization’s capacity.
Mr Ogbonna also called for support to meet the needs of refugees and internally displaced persons in the state
Expressing their delight, some of the visibly excited beneficiaries appreciated the organizations for the outreach, describing it as a life-changing experience
According to Mr Sherrif Malomo, the outreach has served as an eye-opener to him and to so many other persons in attendance.
“I want to appreciate the Red Cross, the Refugee Commission and SCORP for this program. This is the first time I am having these checks without being sick and going to the hospital for it. I have not seen the need but today, I have learnt the importance of regularly visiting the hospital to check myself.”
Another beneficiary Mrs Latifa Jubril said that lack of money was the reason why she does not visit the hospital for checks.
“I have always believed that the only time to visit the hospital is when one is sick. Hospitals are very expensive and going there requires spending money which I do not have, the little I have goes to feeding the family. I thank the Red Cross for providing these services free for us today because it has helped some of us identify some underlying health issues.”
Beneficiaries were also presented with food and non-food items.