World Health Day: Project Smile Hosts Free Medical Outreach in Marmara Community
Onyenero Mercy, Kaduna
Project Smile for Humanity Foundation, as part of activities to mark the World Health Day 2025 hosted a free medical outreach at Marmara community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The outreach aimed to improve access to healthcare for underserved populations in line with this year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Future.”
The event, which saw more than 200 beneficiaries including 65 children, offered vital services such as health screenings, consultations, and medication, all at no cost to participants.
While lauding the initiative in his remarks, Dr. Abdulrasheed Bello, representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Kaduna Field Office, noted that “Real progress begins at the grassroots.”
“This year’s theme aligns with our vision to leave no one behind, especially women, adolescents, and children who face the greatest barriers to health,” he said.
He affirmed WHO’s continued commitment to supporting inclusive healthcare and praised Project Smile’s contribution to that mission.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Hannah Momodu, President of the Corpers Medical Association, Kaduna North, emphasized the urgent need for a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in Marmara.
“It’s unacceptable that a community of this size has no PHC. During emergencies, the lack of essential medical infrastructure can cost lives. Even basic needs like drugs for common conditions are unavailable,” she said.
Dr. Momodu shared a case of a chickenpox patient unable to access appropriate ointment, pointing out that the only existing pharmacy in the area was unequipped.
She called on the government to establish a PHC in the community and consider regular outreach programs.
Community members also shared their experiences. Justina Chori, a resident, revealed that the outreach helped her discover she had hypertension.
“I never knew I was hypertensive. If not for this outreach, I would have continued living without treatment,” she said, urging the government and well-meaning individuals to intervene,” she said.
Another beneficiary, 60 Year-old Barau Gora, also praised the initiative, saying “I came out when I heard about the free medicals. I was diagnosed with hypertension and received medication. May God bless this organization for remembering us.”
Executive Director of Project Smile, Comfort Ojo, underscored the importance of good nutrition and health access for a better future.
She expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government, the Ministry of Health, Nigerian Breweries, Corps Medical Group, and other partners for their support in making the outreach a success.
As the outreach concluded, the voices of the Marmara community rang clear: health is a right, not a privilege, and access must reach every corner, especially the most overlooked.
