Helpster Charity US Inc., an international nonprofit based in the United States, has recently completed a significant medical outreach in Nigeria as part of its ongoing mission to enhance healthcare access for underserved communities across Africa and Asia.
On September 28, 2024, the organization held its seventh outreach event in Ajegunle, one of the largest slums in Lagos, home to over 500,000 residents and located between Apapa Port and Tin Can Island Port. The dedicated medical team, consisting of two doctors, two nurses, and two laboratory specialists, provided essential health education, screenings, treatment for common ailments, and deworming services to locals.
Dr. Perpetua Mbanefo, Helpster’s Country Manager and leader of the medical outreach team, spoke about the purpose behind these initiatives. “We regularly organize these events to reach remote communities suffering from limited healthcare access due to economic hardships,” she explained. “The ongoing challenges in Nigeria, and other countries in Africa and Asia with high poverty rates, particularly affect underprivileged children in need of medical care.”
“In addition to improving access to essential healthcare, especially for children, pregnant women, and young adults, Helpster uses crowdfunding technology to bring medical services directly to those communities where they are critically needed,” Dr. Mbanefo added.
She expressed excitement about the turnout at the event, stating, “We screened and treated around 200 children and adults for various conditions like malaria, malnutrition, skin infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, upper respiratory infections, and other common diseases. We also provided education on important health topics and offered counseling for healthier living.”
Dr. Mbanefo extended her gratitude to the volunteers who made the outreach possible, particularly acknowledging Pastor David Moses for allowing the church to be used as the venue. “It’s truly inspiring to see dedicated individuals coming together with Helpster to create a positive impact in the lives of people in impoverished communities,” she emphasized.
Medical volunteer Benjamin Ekishi highlighted his reasons for joining Helpster, commending the organization for its meaningful work. “I became involved because I believe in the mission to ensure no child suffers or dies due to a lack of access to essential healthcare,” he shared.
Mrs. Beatrice Nwaka, a parent whose child received care during the outreach, expressed her gratitude for Helpster’s efforts in Ajegunle and encouraged other organizations to follow suit. “Our community desperately needs healthcare initiatives like this,” she pointed out.
Helpster launched its medical outreach program in 2023 and has since directly impacted over 4,000 children across Nigeria. Earlier this year, in February 2024, the organization partnered with Tunde Onakoya’s Chess in Slums Africa for its sixth outreach in Makoko, another impoverished area of Lagos, where over 400 children received treatment.
Founded by a compassionate team of IT professionals, Helpster Charity US Inc. is dedicated to bridging the healthcare access gap by connecting vulnerable children in need of vital medical services with individuals willing to fund their treatment through their app and website, www.helpstercharity.org.