Fembol Group: Transforming Lives Through Rural Medical Outreaches
Under the visionary leadership of Oluwafemi Bewaji, Fembol Group has been at the forefront of driving impactful healthcare interventions in underserved rural communities.
Through its flagship initiative, Health 4 Rural, the organization has created a lifeline for areas like Awo-Kajola settlement in Idanre Local Government Area, Ondo State, where basic healthcare services are scarce or entirely absent.
The Health 4 Rural project is a pioneering healthcare development initiative aimed at bridging the gap between urban and rural healthcare access.
Phase one of this project emphasizes health awareness and the dissemination of critical health information. The initiative has fostered a bond of trust between the project team and the Awo-Kajola community, laying the groundwork for sustainable health interventions.
The project was officially launched on October 1, 2021, coinciding with Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day celebration. The inauguration included a COVID-19 sensitization program, a routine medical checkup, and community engagement activities. Over 75 residents attended, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for improved healthcare services.
During the event, over 90 individuals were tested for diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition, with confidential health records maintained for follow-up.
Subsequent editions of the outreach program have addressed critical health challenges in the community. In November 2021, the focus shifted to maternal health education, including birth control and breastfeeding guidance. Mothers were educated on optimal breastfeeding practices and child nutrition, while a session on menstrual hygiene targeted teenage girls. Despite cultural reservations regarding contraceptive use, the program tactfully navigated the sensitive issue, aligning with community preferences.
Another notable effort was the COVID-19 vaccination drive, during which 14 adults received their first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine. This initiative showcased the community’s growing trust in modern healthcare practices, with more residents expressing interest in future vaccination opportunities.
In March 2023, the Health 4 Rural team returned to Awo-Kajola for another round of impactful outreach. This edition featured house-to-house care, including blood pressure and BMI checks, medical consultancy, and free medication distribution. Health education on Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) was provided to combat dehydration-related illnesses. The team’s innovative use of electronic medical record applications ensured accurate data collection and efficient follow-up.
Beyond medical care, Fembol Group has demonstrated a commitment to community development. The September 2022 outreach emphasized community sanitation alongside healthcare services. Volunteers, including children and teenagers, participated in cleaning the village streets, clearing blocked drainage channels, and maintaining the borehole, thus promoting hygiene and environmental sustainability.
The collective impact of these efforts has been profound. Hundreds of residents have benefitted from free medical consultations, screenings for obesity and malnutrition, and the administration of essential medications. Children and teenagers have gained valuable health education, empowering them to make informed decisions about their well-being.
Fembol Group’s dedication to rural health development is a testament to its commitment to social responsibility. By addressing health disparities in underserved areas, the organization not only improves lives but also inspires hope in communities often left behind. Under the leadership of Oluwafemi Bewaji, Fembol Group continues to chart a path toward equitable healthcare access, one outreach at a time.
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