CALMHAF, UNTH Foundation administer holistic healthcare to senior citizens in Enugu
No fewer than 104 senior citizens in Ozalla community in Enugu State have benefited from holistic healthcare outreach of the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation (CALMHAF) and the UNTH Foundation.
The outreach by both NGOs, which was tagged: “The Total Care Mind and Body Outreach”, featured holistic physical, mental and dietary health checks and treatment as well as counselling for the elderly above 60 years.
Speaking during the outreach on Wednesday in Ozalla community, the Executive Director of CALMHAF, Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu, said that the outreach targeted retirees and delivered integrated physical and mental health services to promote healthy aging.
Nwachukwu said that key activities and services provided included: medical and dental screenings; wellness education sessions; mental health discussions on isolation, loneliness, and dementia; HIV/Syphilis combo testing and TB screening by CARITAS Nigeria Enugu office.
He said, “These activities emphasised prevention, early detection, coping strategies and community support for seniors.
“The attendees (beneficiaries) included individuals from low-income households, retired civil servants, farmers and homemakers, all above 60 years.
“The high turnout to this outreach resulted from community announcements, flyers, and collaboration with local leaders such as Igwe S.A. Okereke, Traditional Ruler of Ishi Ozalla and Chief Obiora Okwuibe, President-General, Ozalla Development Union among others.”
The executive director said that the outreach was funded by both foundations; thus, ensuring that all services, screenings, education sessions and refreshments were provided completely free of charge to participants or beneficiaries.
Corroborating, the Chief Executive Officer of UNTH Foundation, Prof. Theresa Nwagha, said that approximately 70 per cent of beneficiaries received at least one referral for follow-up care in the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) or CALMHAF Centre, Enugu.
Nwagha noted that this highlighted the early detection importance of the outreach towards early diagnosis and treatment.
“We extend deep appreciation to the approximately 50 dedicated medical personnel from UNTH and CALMHAF Centre for their exceptional clinical skills, commitment to integrated care, and invaluable contributions to the success of this outreach.
“To contribute or partner, please contact us via: Websites: www.copeandlive.foundation and www.unthfoundation.org
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“The Total Care Mind and Body Outreach demonstrates the value of holistic health services for older adults, delivering immediate benefits and building a foundation for sustained healthy aging in our communities.
“Other benefits of the outreach included: reduced strain on local healthcare facilities, stronger community ties, and improved well-being for seniors,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Pa Jude Ozonweke, a retired civil servant, thanked both foundations for the free specialist consultation and referral for further follow-up on his waist pain..
Another beneficiary, Ma Josephine Ani, appreciated the foundations for teaching her how best to control her anger and overlook faults of younger people around her in order to manage her blood pressure better.