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Gure Healthcare Project – Nigeria Reporting period: October 3, 2016 – October 7, 2016

Prepared by: Dr. Ufuoma Ejughemre

Organization: Real Medicine Foundation Nigeria (www.realmedicinefoundation.org)

Project title: Gure Healthcare Project

Project location: Gure, Kwara State, Nigeria

October 2016 Real Medicine Foundation 11700 National Blvd., Suite 234 Los Angeles, CA 90064 +1.310.820.4502

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Background

Despite improvements, in 2015 Nigeria had a child mortality rate of 109 per 1,000, remaining one of 10 countries with the highest child mortality rates in the world. Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate also improved, but still stands at a high 814 per 100,000, also among the highest in the world. Real Medicine Foundation has been in Nigeria since 2006 helping to ameliorate the situation, and our healthcare initiative continues to focus on Gure, a community in Kwara State with an estimated population of over 30,000 people. Until mid-2015, RMF supported the improvement and operation of Gure Model Health Centre, and in October 2016, we shifted our focus to health outreach. We provide free clinics and education sessions primarily for women, children, and the elderly. Through these outreach clinics, RMF aims to reach underserved, vulnerable community members with education, primary health care, maternal, and child health care.

Health Outreach Implementation RMF’s health outreach program began with community sensitization activities to create awareness for the upcoming free healthcare week. Mobilization/sensitization activities started on September 23rd, 2016 and ended on September 25th, 2016. The advocacy and awareness campaign for RMF’s free health week was carried out in several communities, including: Sanre, Sinaguru, Yorudaku, Tubiguru, Kpegobi, Gaa-Suru, Sabon-Gari, Gaa Kpaanu, Abaku, Yisi-Guru, and the host community of Gure. RMF’s free healthcare week was held at the Gure Model Health Centre from October 3rd, 2016 to October 7th, 2016. A total of 685 patients were treated, as detailed in the table below:

S/N Diseases 10/3/2016 10/4/2016 10/5/2016 10/6/2016 10/7/2016 Total

1 Malaria 69 116 106 54 69 414

2 Hypertension 15 11 1 1 6 34

3 Ulcer 9 22 12 4 4 51

4 Arthritis 4 3 0 0 3 10

5 Eye Problems 0 0 2 3 2 7

6 Cough 0 0 0 9 2 11

7 URTI 3 12 6 0 1 22

8 Dysentery 10 0 9 0 2 21

9 Skin Diseases 3 6 12 4 6 31

10 Measles 0 0 0 1 0 1

11 Diarrhea 0 14 0 6 0 20

12 PID 5 0 1 0 0 6

13 Dental Problems 1 0 0 0 0 1

14 Asthma 2 1 0 1 0 4

15 Diabetes 0 1 0 0 0 1

16 Intestinal Worms 2 0 0 0 0 2

17 ANC 2 3 0 4 0 9

18 STDs 0 2 0 0 0 2

19 RTI 2 6 0 0 0 8

20 Other 2 7 4 12 5 30

Total 129 204 153 99 100 685

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Success Stories

Dr. Ufuoma handling Elizabeth Jeremi’s case. She is from Gure and had uncomplicated malaria. Elizabeth was given oral medications (tablets of Coartem, paracetamol, and multivitamins), and recovered her full health two days after starting treatment.

Mr. Bello, a Senior Community Health Extension Worker, managing 6-year-old Assana Gunu’s case. She is from Gure and had been suffering from dysentery (bloody stool) for 3 days. Assana was placed on oral rehydration and antibiotics. We are told that she is improving at home.

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Bosede Hakeem is a 20-year-old woman who was treated for severe abdominal pain, passage of loose watery stool, vomiting, and suspected uncomplicated malaria. She is currently stable and in healthy condition, and was discharged from the clinic about six hours after arriving.

Salihu Zakari, a 48-year-old man, was admitted for bed rest due to severe peptic ulcer disease. He was placed on cimetidine, Mist Mag, and oral antibiotics. Salihu’s condition improved within three hours of treatment.

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Salihu Abdulahi, a 52-year-old man, had fallen from his motorcycle and sustained several bruises. He was treated with painkillers, his wounds were dressed, and he rested in the clinic that night. Salihu was stable and discharged the following day.

Bosede Akim, a 62-year-old woman from the neighboring community of Sanre, complained of bilateral knee pain. She was treated with tablets of Diclofenac (50 mg bd x 5/7) and tablets of Mist Mag (1 teaspoon tds x 5/7). Bosede’s condition improved within 24 hours of starting treatment.

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Project Photos

Day 1: Villagers lined up to register for free treatment, courtesy of RMF’s healthcare outreach week

Dr. Ufuoma in a focus group with senior staff members of Gure Model Health Centre, discussing the community’s prevailing issues and possible solutions

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Dr. Ufuoma with Alhaji Abdullahi Kilishi, Chief of Gure

Day 2: Health talk for safe motherhood and baby-friendly activities during an immunization schedule