The Project Coordinator of the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP), Professor Nenibarini Zabbey has disclosed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) will commence Public Health Study of Ogoni in 2025.
Professor Zabbey disclosed this at the flag-off of the free medical outreach conducted by HYPREP in conjunction with the Association of Ogoni Doctors (AODs) at the Terebor General Hospital, Gokana Local Government Area (LGA).
The Public Health Study, which will be conducted by WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer with local partners, will provide data on the health pattern of the region with a view to recommending fit for purpose and sustainable health interventions for the residents.
The Project is currently constructing the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Buan Cottage Hospital as part of efforts to provide access to quality healthcare to residents.
The Project Coordinator further announced that HYPREP will be strengthening more Primary Healthcare facilities in 2025. The health centres are in Onne in Eleme LGA, Nonwa in Tai LGA , Taabaa in Khana LGA and Bodo in Gokana LGA. Recall the Project had earlier strengthened health centres in Bori, Terebor, Kpite and Nchia.
Prof. Zabbey informed that the Project was building a staff quarters and carrying out remedial works at the K-Dere Primary Health Centre for doctors and community health workers as part of efforts to improve community medicine and access to healthcare in the community.
He stressed the Project’s commitment to prioritising the health of Ogoni people even as it was carrying out other projects including the provision of portable water, construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration(CEER), the Ogoni Power Project, Livelihood Programmes among others
The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Vincent Wachukwu who represented the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, commended HYPREP for partnering with the state government in providing health care services to Ogoni people through the free medical outreach and other health interventions.
He also assured of the government’s continuous support to HYPREP on the sustainability of the public health projects.
On his part, the President, Association of Ogoni Doctors (AOD), Dr. Nwizor Nkadam applauded the Project Coordinator for prioritizing people centric programmes like the free medical outreach, adding that the group identifies with the Project in its quest to address the health challenges affecting the people.
The free medical outreach runs from the 16th to 27th of December across the four Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ogoni and will offer the following services, free medical consultations and treatments, health education, distribution of essential medications and health supplies, health screenings for common illnesses and conditions, surgeries on hernia, appendicitis, cataract, fibroid and dental care.
