The Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA), with support from AusRelief and in collaboration with the Niger State Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Basic Education, has conducted a free medical outreach for about 150 teachers in Minna, Niger State.

The exercise was carried out under the Teachers’ Wellness Programme aimed at promoting preventive healthcare and improving the wellbeing of educators across the state.

According to organisers, approximately 50 teachers each were selected from Government Girls Secondary School Old Airport, Father O’Connell Science College, Bosso Road, and Government Day Science College, Gidan Kwano, Tunga-Minna.

The outreach featured free medical screening, consultations and treatment services provided by a team of doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians.

Medical services offered during the programme included Hepatitis B and C screening, blood sugar tests, malaria tests, blood pressure checks, mental wellness assessments and other general health examinations aimed at encouraging early detection and prompt treatment of health conditions.

Speaking during the outreach, the Chief Executive Officer of DIWA, Daodah Kanneh, stressed the importance of prioritising the health of teachers, describing educators as vital contributors to nation-building and community development.

“We cannot talk about sustainable development without paying attention to the wellbeing of the people shaping the next generation. Teachers deserve access to quality healthcare and support,” Kanneh stated.

He explained that teachers who required immediate medical attention were treated on-site with medications and professional health guidance, while participants with more serious medical concerns were referred to the General Hospital in Minna for further treatment and follow-up care.

Representatives of the Niger State Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Basic Education commended the initiative, noting that partnerships between government institutions and development organisations are important for improving healthcare access and supporting the welfare of teachers.

Many beneficiaries described the outreach as timely and impactful, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to receive free medical checks and consultations within their school environment.

One of the teachers revealed that the exercise helped uncover a medical condition that might have gone unnoticed, while several others praised the inclusion of mental wellness assessments as part of the healthcare services provided.

DIWA also appreciated AusRelief, the Niger State ministries, medical personnel and participating schools for supporting the successful implementation of the outreach programme.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to people-focused interventions aimed at improving community health, promoting preventive healthcare and expanding access to essential services for underserved populations.