The Embassy of United Arab Emirate in Nigeria, says it has put together a comprehensive plan programmes to address health needs of remote communities in the country.
The UAE Ambassador to Nigeria, Fahad Al-Taffaq, made the disclosure at a Free Medical Outreach for 500 inhabitants of Durumi Community in Mpape Village in Bwari Area Council, on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the free medical outreach was organised by the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education in collaboration with UAE.
Al-Taffaq said the embassy partnered with Civil Society Organisations and relevant states agencies to execute the programmes successfully with a view to make a difference in the people’s lives.
He said: The Embassy has put together a comprehensive plan for 2019, where we would have wider scope programmes in many states in the North and South, targeting communities and addressing their health needs.”
The diplomat also restated the commitment of the UAE to provide healthcare, medical checkup and education for common diseases faced by the people in remote communities.
AlTaffaq assured that there would be equity in the treatment of all the beneficiaries, saying that 2019 was a year of tolerance and accepting people of all races and background.
He said: “As you can see beneficiaries are from different tribes, religion and we treat them all in one manner regardless of where they come from, who they belief in and what they are following.
“This also translates to visionary direction and leadership of UAE, which has place human development at the top of it agenda regardless of the race and background.”
He advised Nigerians to embrace, accept and tolerate one another, live peacefully and contribute to the prosperity and development of the country.
Dr Kabir Kabo, Director-General of the International Centre for Islamic Culture and Education commended UAE for putting efforts, time and resources to eradicate issues about health and poverty in Durumi village.
Kabo said the support would enable members of the community to be active in their day-to-day activities, saying `this kind of support is very unusual.
He said: “I need to appreciate UAE not only in terms of the monetary contribution but also time, the trust on us and respect as well as the integrity repose on us.
“Our target is about 500 young people, children, women, the elderly and the rest so that we can support them.
“We have almost about 50 staff that are supporting this initiative right from volunteers in terms of doctors, nurses, Pharmacist, Physiotherapists and other related professionals are all here in order to make this outreach successful.”
The Centre’s Head of Medical Team, Dr Amina Kumalia, disclosed that the free medical service was for diabetic and hypertensive patients as well as people suffering from peptic ulcer, malaria and typhoid fever.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Malam Sale Muhammad, thanked UAE and the Islamic Centre for the medical intervention and appealed to government to expand the primary health facility in the area.