By Polycarp Ifeanyi, Onitsha
In its ongoing efforts to enhance rural healthcare and raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking, the Christabel Okoye Foundation, in collaboration with the Joint Committee on Drugs and Narcotics of the National Assembly, successfully organized a free healthcare delivery event for the elderly.
The annual event, held at the Christabel Okoye Foundation in Urumkpu Village, Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, also aimed to educate Umuoji youth, provide detoxification services, and offer counseling on the dangers of drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
Mr. David Chukwudozie Obijekwu, a member of the National Association of Nigeria Drugs Monitoring (NANDRUM), emphasized that the fight against drug abuse starts with educating the elderly. He lectured participants on the meaning of drug abuse and its consequences, stressing the importance of discouraging children from associating with drug addicts and the need for medical tests to avoid self-medication.
“When you are sick, go for a laboratory test and check your health status because taking drugs without knowing the illness can lead to drug abuse. Avoid self-medication. As elderly people, reduce what you eat because much of our food causes sickness,” Obijekwu advised. He also urged participants to use counseling methods for anyone involved in smoking Indian hemp, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs, and to monitor their children to ensure they are free from drug abuse.
Dr. Mrs. Christabel Regan Okoye, the foundation’s founder and Executive National Secretary of NANDRUM, expressed gratitude to the elderly participants of the Umuoji community for their involvement in this year’s free healthcare delivery. She also thanked her supportive partners, especially Hon. Sam Molokwu, who was the first to provide financial support, and others including Ichie Edeke Oligbo, Akukwu Nnamah, Okwuoto Eziora, Lady Ifenyinwa Okoye, Ichie Akaekpuchi Onwa, and Mr. David Obijekwu.
The Chairman of the event, Ichie Ifeanyi Efobi, praised Dr. Mrs. Okoye for her benevolence in distributing free drugs to the elderly in Umuoji, describing her as a philanthropist who has done more than most men in the community and encouraging others to emulate her.
Nurse Okwuchukwu Emmanuel, who diagnosed and administered drugs to the participants, noted that nearly all of them suffered from high blood pressure (HBP) and low blood pressure (LBP). She provided the necessary medications and advised them to avoid overexertion.
Participants Mrs. Francisca Nwadike, Mrs. Caroline Akubuenyi, Lady Ifenyinwa Okoye, and Mr. Alfred Okoye confirmed that they receive free healthcare from the foundation annually and prayed for God’s blessings on Dr. Mrs. Okoye and the organizers.
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