The Founder and Executive Director of Abbycares Foundation, Mrs. Ijeoma Nneka Nwankwo, has said the organisation is expanding access to quality healthcare services in underserved communities and is positioning itself to reach more primary healthcare centres across Nigeria.
Nwankwo, an epidemiologist and public health professional, disclosed this during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, where she highlighted the foundation's interventions in maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention, medical outreaches, and free surgical services.
She said the foundation operates primarily at the grassroots level through primary healthcare centres, noting that strengthening the primary healthcare system remains critical to reducing pressure on tertiary health institutions.
According to her, many ailments being treated in tertiary hospitals can be effectively managed at the primary healthcare level if health centres are adequately equipped and supported.
Nwankwo explained that the foundation provides free antenatal care support, including routine medications for pregnant women, specialist consultations with obstetricians and gynaecologists, and subsidised ultrasound services to monitor pregnancies and identify potential health risks early.
She said the interventions have helped save the lives of several mothers and babies through timely referrals and medical interventions.
"We operate at the primary healthcare level because it is the foundation of healthcare delivery. When the primary healthcare system is strong, it reduces the burden on tertiary hospitals and improves health outcomes for the people," she said.
The Abbycares Foundation boss further disclosed that the organisation conducts monthly clinics at primary healthcare centres where residents receive free screening for hypertension and diabetes, medical consultations, treatment, and medications.
She added that the foundation also provides maternal and child support services, including transportation assistance for expectant mothers and post-delivery care packages aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.
Nwankwo revealed that the organisation has successfully carried out over 122 free and subsidised surgeries, including hernia, hydrocele, and lipoma procedures, at primary healthcare facilities.
"We are proud to report that all the surgeries were successful and recorded no major complications," she stated.
Beyond healthcare facilities, she said the foundation regularly organises free medical outreaches in rural communities and schools.
According to her, the organisation has conducted outreaches in several communities, including Ezza-Ofu Inyimagu, Onueke, Enugu, and Obolo-Afo, while its latest intervention is taking place at a primary health center in Okaria-Edda in Abakaliki Local Government Area.
Nwankwo noted that the foundation has also partnered with government agencies and other non-governmental organisations to improve public health outcomes.
She cited the organisation's collaboration with the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS (EBOSACA) during activities marking World AIDS Day, as well as partnerships with other NGOs on menstrual hygiene sensitisation programmes for schoolgirls.
While expressing readiness to collaborate with governments at all levels, she stressed that NGOs should be viewed as partners in development rather than competitors.
She said the foundation's long-term goal is to expand its operations to more primary healthcare centres within and outside Ebonyi State.
"Abbycares Foundation is open to collaborating with governments across the country. We already have structures and grassroots networks in place that can help improve healthcare delivery and reach vulnerable populations," she said.
Providing statistics on the foundation's impact, Nwankwo disclosed that more than 300 pregnant women have benefited from its maternal health programmes, while over 400 schoolgirls received sanitary pads through its menstrual hygiene initiative.
She also noted that interventions by the organisation contributed significantly to increased patronage of primary healthcare facilities.
According to her, deliveries at Ezzamgbo Primary Health Centre increased from 83 to 115 in the first year of intervention and rose to 122 in the second year.
She added that at Odagara-Edda Primary Health Centre, where the foundation commenced operations earlier this year, delivery cases have already risen significantly compared to previous records.
However, Nwankwo identified inadequate funding as the greatest challenge confronting the foundation's activities.
She explained that most of the organisation's programmes have been funded through personal contributions, family support, and donations from well-meaning individuals, especially following recent reductions in international donor funding.
The public health expert called on governments to prioritise investments in primary healthcare and strengthen partnerships with NGOs already working within local communities.
She maintained that improving primary healthcare services would reduce maternal and child mortality, increase access to preventive healthcare, and enhance overall health outcomes across the country.
Nwankwo urged authorities to intensify public health education and awareness campaigns, noting that many chronic diseases and preventable health conditions could be avoided through early intervention and proper healthcare practices.
