FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – The Equi-Resp Africa Research Project, hosted by the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), has commenced free screening and treatment of respiratory diseases among workers and residents of the Linus Ede Memorial Timber Shed in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
The medical intervention, carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Child Health, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), attracted traders, labourers, timber workers and members of the surrounding community who turned out for medical examination and treatment.
Speaking during the exercise, the Principal Investigator of the Equi-Resp Africa Project and Vice Chancellor of DUFUHS, Professor Jesse Uneke, said the outreach was aimed at addressing the growing burden of respiratory diseases among residents exposed to environmental pollutants.
Represented by the Director of the Institute of Child Health, AE-FUTHA, Professor Thecla Ezeonu, the Vice Chancellor explained that the project had previously carried out similar interventions in Umuoghara, Ezza North Local Government Area, and at the Abakaliki Rice Mill, where dust from rice-processing activities contributed significantly to respiratory health challenges.
According to her, the team spent a week at the Rice Mill treating asthma and other respiratory infections linked to prolonged inhalation of rice dust.
Professor Ezeonu assured participants that the screening and treatment were completely free, noting that the team had deployed adequate medical equipment, doctors and nurses to ensure effective healthcare delivery. She added that officials of the Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme were also present to conduct free chest X-rays and other diagnostic services.
Speaking on behalf of Amagu Community, the traditional ruler, HRH Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, expressed gratitude to the medical team for extending the intervention to the timber shed and surrounding communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Dr Divine Igwe, described the outreach as a life-saving intervention capable of preventing avoidable deaths and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable workers.
Dr Igwe further noted that all medical services provided during the outreach are free of charge, helping to eliminate what he described as catastrophic medical expenditure among affected individuals.
Similarly, the Ebonyi State Manager of the Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Programme, Mr Nwite Samuel, said the programme was designed to provide free screening and treatment for tuberculosis, leprosy, chest-related illnesses and ulcers.
Also speaking, the Director of Information and Communication Technology at DUFUHS, Dr Kingsley Igboji, commended community members for their turnout and urged them to take full advantage of the medical intervention.
He noted that the outreach would not only improve the health of timber workers and residents but also contribute to increased productivity and overall community well-being.
The Equi-Resp Africa Project is a research-driven health initiative focused on reducing the burden of respiratory diseases among populations exposed to environmental and occupational hazards across Africa.
BAKARE LAURETTA
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
26/6/2026
