AfriTAL Sustains Free Medical Care Through Second and Third Outreaches in Benin City

AfriTAL has extended its community healthcare initiative through its second and third free medical outreaches at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Oka, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul, Benin City.

The second edition took place in 2025, while the third was held on 27 September 2026. Both focused on hypertension and diabetes, combining free screening, medical consultations, treatment and health education with continued support for patients. The outreaches reflect AfriTAL’s commitment to helping people access essential healthcare, particularly those who struggle to afford consultations, tests and medication.

Building on the First Outreach in Warri

The initiative began on 1 May 2025, at Kingdom Development Christian Centre, Ugboroke, Warri, Delta State, with support from NNPC Medicals, Warri; Capitol Hill Clinic/Hospital; Kingdom Development Christian Centre; and the office of I.G. Konwea, that first edition established an approach that continued in Benin City: providing immediate medical attention while identifying patients who need ongoing care, particularly for hypertension and diabetes. Across the second and third editions, services included general vital signs checks, blood pressure measurement, malaria testing, blood sugar screening, medical consultations, appropriate treatment and counselling.

Second Edition: Compassion and Continuity of Care

In his message at the second edition, Dr Louis Ogbeifun emphasised that access to healthcare should never depend solely on a person’s ability to pay. He described the outreach as an expression of compassion, bringing medical professionals, volunteers and community members together to support people who might otherwise go without care. His address highlighted the importance of recognising and managing hypertension and diabetes, alongside public education about stroke prevention. He also drew attention to barriers that can interrupt treatment, including financial hardship, medication costs, limited awareness and misconceptions about illness. The message encouraged community members to seek medical attention and follow professional advice. It also underscored the role that organisations, faith communities and volunteers can play in supporting people who cannot afford essential medication.

Third Edition: Know Your Numbers, Seek Care Early

At the third outreach on 27 September 2026, the health education message again centred on hypertension and diabetes, with an emphasis on regular screening and continued treatment. The address encouraged participants to check their blood pressure and blood sugar rather than wait until they felt unwell. It stressed the importance

of early detection, following prescribed treatment and making practical changes to daily habits. Participants were encouraged to pay attention to their diets, reduce excessive salt and sugar, and seek professional guidance on managing their health. The session reinforced a central purpose of the outreach: helping people understand their conditions and take an active role in their care.

Patient Adoption: Support Beyond a Single Visit

A defining feature of AfriTAL’s outreach is its patient adoption programme. Individuals diagnosed with hypertension and diabetes receive cou

nselling and are enrolled for continued support, including medication supply, subject to the availability of resources. This approach recognises that a screening result is only the beginning. Patients also need access to treatment, follow-up and encouragement to continue managing their conditions. By maintaining this programme across the outreaches, AfriTAL is working to connect immediate intervention with longer-term care.

Recognising Our Partners and Volunteers

AfriTAL appreciates its board and directors for their continued support and commitment to the initiative. Special appreciation goes to St. Vincent de Paul, Benin City, and the host community at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, Oka, for their partnership in the second and third editions. The organisation also acknowledges its first-edition partners: NNPC Medicals, Warri; Capitol Hill Clinic/Hospital; Kingdom Development Christian Centre; and the office of I.G. Konwea for helping establish the initiative.

We thank the doctors, nurses, other healthcare professionals, students, logistics teams, community mobilisers and volunteers whose time, expertise and service made these outreaches possible.

Support the Next Stage

AfriTAL welcomes partnerships and contributions to help reach more communities and sustain support for patients living with hypertension and diabetes. Donations in cash or kind, including medication, screening supplies, medical equipment and professional services can help maintain the patient adoption programme and support future outreaches.

To support or partner with us:

AfriTAL Headquarters
Port Plaza, No. 9 Port Harcourt Crescent,
Off Gimbiya Street, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.
Telephone: +234 8027 798 808
Website: www.afrital.org

Looking Ahead: Free Eye Screening and Basic Treatment in 2027

AfriTAL has received an invitation to partner with an eye specialist in the first quarter of 2027 to provide free eye screening and basic treatment for people living with diabetes and hypertension. This proposed partnership offers an opportunity to extend the outreach’s support to eye care and continue serving patients beyond routine screening.