NUJ Ebonyi Holds Free Medical Outreach for Journalists

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi State Council, in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and the Nigeria Dental Therapists Association (NDTA), on Tuesday organized a free medical outreach for journalists and media workers in the state.

The event, held at the Dr. Sam Egwu Press Centre, Abakaliki, formed part of activities marking the 2025 NUJ Press Week. It aimed to promote the health and wellbeing of journalists who, according to organizers, often work under intense professional pressure. Over 100 journalists and media workers benefitted from the outreach, which featured free health services such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, hepatitis and HIV screening, dental assessments, body mass evaluation, and general medical consultations.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the NUJ Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Samson Nwafor, said the initiative was borne out of the union’s awareness of the link between sound health and professional efficiency. “Our job as journalists is demanding, and many of us neglect regular health checks due to our busy schedules. This outreach is a deliberate effort to encourage our members to prioritize their health,” Nwafor said. “We sincerely appreciate our partners—the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria and the Dental Therapists—for their commitment and support,” he added.

Delivering a health talk on oral hygiene, Chairman of the NDTA Ebonyi Chapter, Dr. Samuel Uwaoma Nwafor, stressed the importance of proper dental care, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, and prompt treatment of dental infections. "A clean mouth is the gateway to a healthy life. Dental neglect can lead to systemic health issues. We encourage everyone to maintain proper oral hygiene and make regular dental visits,” he advised. Also addressing participants, Chief Dental Therapist Ngozi Eze spoke on cleft lip and palate deformities, clarifying that the condition is treatable and not a spiritual affliction, as some people believe. She revealed that free corrective surgeries are available at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AE-FUTHA), in partnership with Smile Train, an international non-governmental organization. President of the MWAN Ebonyi Chapter, Dr. Lilian Nwobashi, linked the outreach to October’s global campaign on breast and cervical cancer awareness. “We always encourage women to perform self-breast examinations and go for screenings. But men should also know they are not exempt from breast cancer. Prevention and early detection save lives,” she said. Similarly, Dr. Nneka Nweke, a consultant general surgeon and breast specialist, urged both men and women to take breast health seriously. "Men can also get breast cancer, though it’s less common. Everyone should be vigilant and conduct regular self-examinations,” she advised. Chairperson of the NUJ Health Committee, Mrs. Fortunate Ozo, described the outreach as “timely and impactful,” emphasizing that journalists must make health a top priority. On his part, Chairman of the 2025 NUJ Press Week Planning Committee, Comrade Samuel Okpor, commended the collaboration and reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the welfare of its members. “This outreach is not just symbolic—it’s a call to action for media professionals to begin prioritizing their health amidst demanding schedules,” he said. The event was widely lauded as one of the most practical and beneficial highlights of this year’s NUJ Press Week celebration.