By Kamsi Anayo
The former Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Josephine Anenih, Founder of Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation has given medical succour to over 150 ageing parents to celebrate her 74th birthday in Amawbia Community in Awka South Local Goverment Area of Anambra state.
Medical experts from the Ageing Research Centre of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu and Onyx Eye Care Foundation gave free medical consultancy to the happy beneficiaries.
The beneficiaries also received free eye health check, free lab tests including cholesterol, sugar etc, free memory check, BP, stress, hormones etc and health talk.
The former Minister of Women Affairs said the event tagged “Founder’s Day Celebration” was aimed at imparting good health to the ageing parents, particularly in the rural communities.
She said the beneficiaries were given free drugs, glasses, lab tests and other logistics.
“Health is wealth. At this age, health is more challenging in the rural communities, their income is at zero level, accessing good medical care is problematic.
“If there is anyway anybody can assist, it is good, and I thought that is one way I can assist them, to offer free medical care,” Anenih said.
She said that the medical experts from various health institutions collaborated with Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation established in 2016 to improve the health quality of ageing parents.
Dr Gemma Henry-Ibeh, Director of Onyx Eye Care Foundation gave the health talk on common eye diseases and avoidable drugs taken particularly in the rural areas, where low access to basic eye cares.
“We also counsel them on regular eye check, foods and fruits to take to preserve their eyes, and avoid self medication,” she said.