In Ebonyi State, the First Lady, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has taken a proactive approach to combat cervical cancer by organizing a free screening initiative for 1000 women. This event, held at Elinwovu General Hospital in Abakaliki, aims to raise awareness and curb the spread of cancer-related ailments among women. Chief Mrs. Nwifuru emphasized that the outreach, themed "Ending Cervical Cancer Within a Few Generations," is a collaborative effort involving her office, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), the Medical Women Association, and Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The Governor's wife stressed the importance of timely screening to detect early stages of cervical cancer, providing an opportunity for women to receive care that reduces morbidity and mortality. She urged medical practitioners, stakeholders, and traditional rulers to commit to educating, advocating, and supporting women's health.
In another effort to mark Cervical Cancer Month in Ebonyi State, Her Excellency's BERWO foundation, in collaboration with the Medical Women's Association and Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, launched free cervical cancer screenings, blood pressure measurements, and blood glucose tests. The theme, "Ending Cervical Cancer Within a Few Generations," underscores the global impact of cervical cancer on women. Chief Mary-Maudline Nwifuru highlighted the need for education, early detection, and proactive health measures.
Encouraging women in Ebonyi State to prioritize their health, Chief Mrs. Nwifuru advocated for regular cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations, emphasizing that "these measures are crucial for prevention. The collaborative efforts of medical practitioners, stakeholders, and traditional rulers would help to create a world where cervical cancer is not only treatable but preventable."
Dr. Nwobasi Lillian, the President of the Medical Women's Association in Ebonyi State, emphasized the importance of undergoing cervical cancer screening tests and getting vaccinated "We are starting with the first 200 to 300 women. We want to catch them early, teach women when to go to hospital and signs of the illments
Dr. Nkechi Emma-Echiegu, the Team Lead of BERWO, revealed that "the collaborative outreach has covered three local governments in Ebonyi State and all 13 LGAs would be included."
Chief Executive and Hospital Administrator, State Hospital Management Board Ebonyi State, Dr. Nwali James, stressed the significance of the screening exercise in preventing and capturing early cases of cervical cancer, ultimately preserving the dignity of women in Ebonyi State.
(c)2024 Corporate Communications / Kelvinerice Udeze
First Published by Aefutha.gov.ng
Reported by Uche Duru
In a profound demonstration of altruism, the Innerwheel Club of Abakaliki Central and District 914 orchestrated a transformative charity project, illuminating the lives of indigent patients by settling their hospital bills at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Under the guidance of District Chairman Mrs. Uzunma Okoroafor, a dedicated entourage of Innerwheel members from 14 clubs spanning South-East and South-South Nigeria convened for this impactful initiative. The event, strategically aligned with the club's broader meeting activities on January 26th and 27th, 2024, exemplifies the enduring commitment of Innerwheel to humanitarian service.
Innerwheel Member Nonye Muoneke provided insight into the purpose of this outing, stating, "All these clubs came together for the meetings, and this hospital bill settlement is a testament to our dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need."
Past District Chairman Rose Chinwe Ezeadikwa, addressing the indigent patients, underscored the club's ethos grounded in service to humanity. She highlighted how the principles of Innerwheel drive these initiatives, emphasizing the profound impact that collective goodwill can have on community welfare.
Expressing gratitude, District Chairman Mrs. Okoroafor lauded the collaborative efforts of Abakaliki Central Club and District 914, recognizing their significant role in "putting smiles on the faces of the less privileged."
Dr. Mrs. Sorochi Otuu, Head of Social Welfare Department at AEFUTHA, received the generous donation on behalf of the Chief Medical Director, Prof Onoh Robinson. She eloquently expressed the vital role such acts play in alleviating the strain on the hospital's resources, thus fortifying the institution's ability to extend healthcare services to all Nigerians.
The initiative's impact resonated deeply as one patient from Accident and Emergency, two patients from Psychiatry, and a patient from Gynecology wards experienced the tangible benefits of this benevolence. Full or partial settlements of their hospital bills not only provide financial relief but also symbolize a collective commitment to fostering a healthier and more compassionate community.
The Innerwheel Club's benevolent endeavor serves as a beacon, illuminating a path towards a more equitable and caring society. In the convergence of collective goodwill and purposeful action, lives are touched, and the ripple effects extend far beyond the confines of a hospital room.
(c)2024 Corporate Communications/Kelvinerice Udeze
First Published by Aefutha.gov.ng
The orientation for the new batch of House Officers (2023/2024) at Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, which took place on 22nd January 2024 was organized by the Association of Resident Doctors at the Hospital Auditorium. The event was aimed at familiarizing the newly recruited House officers with their new environment and equipping them with essential skills for their upcoming responsibilities.
During the orientation, Prof. Robinson Onoh, the Chief Medical Director, emphasized the significance of the training and urged the new house officers to approach it with seriousness, considering it "a golden opportunity for personal and professional development." He assured them that accommodation concerns had been addressed by the hospital management.
Dr. Sunday Nnaji, the President of the association, congratulated the new house officers and encouraged them to be proactive in their duties, emphasizing the responsibility they hold in caring for lives and the hope of patients at AE-FUTHA.
Additionally, Dr. Gilbert Okpara, former president of the Association, highlighted the role of NARD and informed them that ARD is an affiliate of NARD, serving the welfare needs of its members across health institutions. As such, he assured the fresh interns that their welfare and interest is a top priority for the association. In this regard, he encouraged them to align with the vision, mission and core values of the association as these are requisite commitment expected of them from the association as they journey through the next 12 months of their internship training.
Reported by Nwankwo Monday, Corporate Communications.
The diary of activities of the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of AEFUTHA, Prof. Robinson Chukwudi Onoh, recorded a landmark event last Thursday with the inauguration of the first set of Executives of the Staff Welfare Association elected under his watch. The inauguration ceremony which took place in his office featured key figures in the hospital administration department including the Director of Administration, Chief Calistus Azubuike Okonkwo, the outgoing Executive members of the Association, led by the Chairman, Com. Solomon Uzoke, the incoming Executive members led by the Chairman, Com. Pascal Akuma and the Election Committee members.
Presenting the Association Executives to the CMD for inauguration, the Director of Administration, Chief Okonkwo, traced the history of the election process in the Association and highlighted the new format in which Executive positions were zoned to departments and the departments were allowed to conduct election to produce those executives. This was a departure from the former pattern where the election of all executive members was centralized and involved all the departments. Chief Okonkwo praised the new format for being more inclusive and engendering less political acrimony and commended the Hospital Management for evolving the novel process and saving the hospital community from political bickering.
Chief Okonkwo further commended the outgoing leadership of the Association for their remarkable achievements which he enumerated to include building a strong foundation for the association, leaving no debt for their successors as well as building an edifice for the Association. He urged the incoming executives to key into these achievements as a stepping stone to greater achievements in their tenure.
The outgoing Chairman, Mr. Uzoke, in his hand-over speech pledged never to withhold vital information from the incoming team and restated his commitment to a strong and better staff welfare association.
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Chairman, Mr. Akuma, expressed gratitude to his predecessor, whom he described as a "Pointer." "Since we have a Pointer, a person we can emulate from and confide in, the work will be much easier," he said, adding that with the help of God Almighty his team would excel.
Inaugurating the new Exco, the CMD, Prof. Onoh, lauded the simplicity and transparency of both the election and the transition process and urged other associations to copy from the model. He congratulated the Exco members for their election and exhorted them to work with a team spirit, maintain cordial relationship with one another and support the Hospital Management for the betterment of the Association and the hospital community.
The full list of the newly inaugurated executives included the Chairman, Akuma Pascal; the Vice Chairman, Ogu Martha; Secretary, Ugwu Anthony; Assistant Secretary, Chima Princewill; Financial Secretary, Dr. Eze Chidi Eze; Treasurer, Onwe Thomas; Public Relations Officer, Egwu Edith Ebere; - Director of Socials Offorbuike Onwe; Provost 1, Okoh Bernard; Provost 2, Nworie Kenechukwu; and the D.A's Representative, Olughu Chinedu.
The ceremony was concluded with a prayer for the success of the new Exco and a group photograph.
In a heartfelt act of generosity, Mrs. Chioma Eneduanya, a philanthropist and owner of Everlasting Nursery and Primary School in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, donated an electronic water dispenser to Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AEFUTHA) on 12th January 2024.
Expressing her motivation, Mrs. Eneduanya shared, "Witnessing the hospital's commendable assistance in treating my child and other children under my care during emergency situations compelled me to contribute. I believe providing support to the hospital, particularly in ensuring access to water, can significantly contribute to saving lives."
During the official handover, Prof. Robinson Onoh, CMD of AEFUTHA, expressed gratitude for the thoughtful donation. He acknowledged Mrs. Eneduanya for identifying a crucial gap within the hospital's services and taking action to address it, emphasizing the positive impact on the lives of those in need of water during medical emergencies. In his remark, the CMD reiterated that "NGOs, State Government and well-meaning Nigerians can borrow a leaf from this remarkable event to come to our aid by identifying gaps and making willful donations to assuage the sufferings of our numerous indigent patients."
Prof. Onoh applauded the philanthropist's commitment to supporting the hospital's mission and attributed the gesture as a valuable contribution to the administration's efforts.
Dr. Nnaemeka Omeje, Head of the Paediatric Department at AEFUTHA, along with other department members, conveyed their overwhelming excitement. They highlighted that Mrs. Eneduanya's donation of an electronic water dispenser is a pioneering initiative and the first of its kind for the hospital.
The act of kindness is expected to enhance the hospital's capacity to respond to medical emergencies, underlining the significant impact individuals and businesses can have when joining hands to support healthcare institutions. Mrs. Eneduanya's contribution stands as a beacon of community spirit, showcasing the positive outcomes achievable through collaborative efforts in the service of humanity.