The Founder and Executive Director of Abby Cares Foundation, Mrs. Ijeoma Nneka Nwankwo, has disclosed that the organisation has successfully carried out more than 122 free and subsidised surgeries across communities while intensifying efforts to expand its healthcare interventions to more parts of Nigeria.
Nwankwo, an epidemiologist and public health professional, made the disclosure during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki on Tuesday, where she highlighted the foundation's achievements in maternal and child healthcare, disease prevention, medical outreaches and community-based health services.
She said the foundation operates mainly through primary healthcare centres, stressing that strengthening primary healthcare remains critical to improving access to quality medical services and reducing pressure on tertiary hospitals.
According to her, many health conditions currently managed in tertiary institutions can be effectively treated at the primary healthcare level if facilities are adequately equipped and supported.
"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.
Nwankwo explained that the foundation provides free antenatal care support for pregnant women, including routine medications, specialist consultations with obstetricians and gynaecologists, and subsidised ultrasound services to monitor pregnancies and detect potential complications early.
She noted that the intervention has helped save the lives of several mothers and babies through timely referrals and medical attention.
The Abby Cares Foundation boss further disclosed that the organisation conducts monthly clinics in primary healthcare centres where residents receive free screening for hypertension and diabetes, medical consultations, treatment and medications.
She added that maternal and child healthcare programmes implemented by the foundation also include transportation support for expectant mothers and post-delivery care packages aimed at improving health outcomes.
Nwankwo revealed that the organisation has conducted over 122 free and subsidised surgeries, including hernia, hydrocele and lipoma procedures, all of which were successfully completed without major complications.
"We are proud to report that all the surgeries were successful and recorded no major complications," she stated.
She said the foundation has also organised several medical outreaches in rural communities and schools, providing free healthcare services and public health education to residents.
According to her, outreaches have been conducted in communities such as Ezza-Ofu Inyimagu, Onueke, Enugu and Obolo-Afo, while its latest intervention is ongoing at a primary healthcare centre in Okaria-Edda.
Nwankwo noted that the organisation has partnered with government agencies and other non-governmental organisations to improve public health outcomes, citing its collaboration with the Ebonyi State Agency for the Control of AIDS during activities marking World AIDS Day.
She also highlighted partnerships on menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns, through which more than 400 schoolgirls have received sanitary pads and health education.
Providing statistics on the foundation's impact, Nwankwo disclosed that over 300 pregnant women have benefited from its maternal healthcare programmes.
She further revealed that the organisation's interventions have significantly increased utilisation of primary healthcare facilities in communities where it operates.
According to her, deliveries at Ezza-Ofu Inyimagu Primary Health Centre rose from 83 before the intervention to 115 in the first year and increased further to 122 in the second year.
She added that Okaria-Edda Primary Health Centre has also recorded a notable increase in delivery cases since the foundation commenced operations there earlier this year.
While expressing readiness to collaborate with governments at all levels, Nwankwo said the foundation's long-term objective is to expand its operations to more primary healthcare centres within and outside Ebonyi State.
"Abby Cares 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.
She, however, identified inadequate funding as the major challenge confronting the organisation, noting that most of its programmes are funded through personal contributions, family support and donations from well-meaning individuals.
The public health expert called on governments to increase investment in primary healthcare and strengthen partnerships with non-governmental organisations working at the grassroots level.
She maintained that improved primary healthcare services would help reduce maternal and child mortality, enhance access to preventive healthcare and improve overall health outcomes across the country.
Nwankwo also urged authorities to intensify public health education and awareness campaigns, stressing that many chronic diseases and preventable health conditions can be avoided through early detection, timely intervention and healthy practices.
