Smiles and heartfelt thanks filled the air in Uvwie Local Government Area as hundreds of residents showed their appreciation to Senator Ede Dafinone for bringing free healthcare services right to their doorstep through his ongoing Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach.
The event, held on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Uvwie Local Government Secretariat, was a welcome relief for many. Attendees received medical checkups, health advice, and free medications. For people like Mrs. Agatha Enakerave, a trader from the Ogbomo community, the outreach couldn’t have come at a better time. “This is truly a blessing,” she said. “I’m really grateful to Senator Dafinone and the National Health Fellows. Not everyone can afford the kind of medication we were given today. This is a really good thing.”
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ese Agbarolli, praised the medical team for their kindness and professionalism. “They treated us like we were part of their own family,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot today about how to manage my blood sugar. The doctors took time to explain everything in a way that made sense. I really hope this kind of outreach reaches other communities too.”
For Mr. Udu Amos, a civil servant, the event was a chance to do something he’d been putting off for years. “I’ve avoided going for check-ups because it’s just too expensive,” he admitted. “But today, I got tested for free and received valuable advice from the doctors. I’m truly grateful to Senator Dafinone for thinking of everyday people like us.”
The outreach marked the fourth phase of Senator Dafinone’s Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Programme, organized in collaboration with the National Health Fellows, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Residents received a range of free health services, including diabetes and blood pressure checks, tuberculosis screening, eye exams, and reading glasses.
Organizers reported that more than 258 people benefited directly from the medical screenings, while 111 others received free eye tests and glasses provided by CHAI, under the supervision of Austine Atori. The medical team also offered counseling and follow-up guidance to those diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, Hon. Victor Okito, Liaison Officer for Uvwie Local Government Area, emphasized that the programme reflects Senator Dafinone’s strong commitment to making healthcare accessible to everyone. “Our principal firmly believes that good health is the backbone of productivity,” he said. “This isn’t about politics—it’s a humanitarian effort to raise the standard of healthcare in our communities.”
He went on to highlight that Senator Dafinone’s mission is to build a healthier Delta Central by focusing on preventive healthcare and ensuring that those who need it most are not left behind.
The organizers also thanked the Chairman of Uvwie Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Anthony Onoriode Ofoni (JP), along with the Executive Secretary of the Uvwie Local Government Health Authority, Dr. Aghogho Owhojedo—represented by Dora Okoro and Rita Aleke—for their invaluable support and collaboration throughout the programme.
In a statement from the senator’s office, Senator Dafinone reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the outreach across all eight local government areas in Delta Central. He noted that future phases will place greater emphasis on reaching rural and underserved communities.
With each new phase of the medical outreach, Senator Dafinone’s commitment to public health is making a real impact. His vision for a healthier Delta Central is not just talk—it’s showing up in real ways, bringing hope and healing to communities, one patient and one smile at a time.
