NGO Provides Free Medical Outreach for Teachers in Niger State

A non-governmental organization, the Development Initiative of West Africa, in partnership with AusRelief and the Niger State Ministry of Health, has carried out a free medical outreach for public school teachers in Niger State.

The medical outreach, conducted under the Teachers’ Wellness Programme in Minna, benefited no fewer than 150 teachers from three public secondary schools across the state capital.

The participating schools included Government Girls Secondary School Old Airport, Father O’Connell Science College on Bosso Road, and Government Day Science College in Gidan Kwano, Tunga-Minna. About 50 teachers from each school participated in the exercise.

The programme focused on promoting preventive healthcare and improving the wellbeing of teachers through free medical screenings, consultations, and treatment services. A team of qualified doctors, nurses, and laboratory technicians attended to the beneficiaries during the outreach.

Medical services provided included Hepatitis B and C screening, blood sugar testing, malaria testing, blood pressure checks, mental wellness assessments, and other general health examinations aimed at encouraging early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Executive Officer of DIWA, Daodah Kanneh, stressed the importance of prioritizing the health of teachers, describing educators as vital contributors to national growth and community development.

According to Kanneh, sustainable development cannot be achieved without paying attention to the wellbeing of teachers who are responsible for shaping future generations. He added that teachers deserve access to quality healthcare and continuous support.

Teachers who needed urgent medical attention were given medications and health advice on-site, while cases requiring further medical care were referred to General Hospital Minna for additional treatment and follow-up services.

Representatives of the Ministries of Health and Basic Education praised the initiative, noting that collaboration between government agencies and development organizations is essential for improving healthcare access and supporting educators.

Many beneficiaries described the outreach as timely and impactful, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to receive free health checks and professional medical consultations within their school environment. Some teachers also noted that the programme helped detect health conditions that may have remained unnoticed, while others commended the inclusion of mental wellness assessments.

DIWA also appreciated AusRelief, the Niger State Ministries of Health and Basic Education, the medical personnel, and the management of the participating schools for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to promoting preventive healthcare, strengthening community health systems, and improving access to essential medical services for underserved populations.