The SOMI Medical Team of the East Nigeria Province embodies the Claretian mission of reaching the peripheries of life by providing essential healthcare to underserved communities. Since its establishment under the current council in 2022, the team has organized multiple free medical outreach programs, funded through the Mission Procure office and supported by lay Claretians. These interventions target communities with little or no access to healthcare, offering consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment, and medications at no cost.
Between 25th–28th March 2025, the team conducted outreach in Afara, Eziama, Nekede, and Ikenegbu, serving 1,640 individuals. The medical staff included 20 doctors, 4 nurses, 4 laboratory scientists, and 2 protocol officers, covering specialties such as general practice, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and internal medicine. Services provided ranged from blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring to malaria screening, eye examinations, dental assessments, and preventive health education. Medications distributed included antimalarials, antihypertensives, antidiabetic drugs, antibiotics, analgesics, multivitamins, and glasses.
The outreach revealed pressing health challenges: hypertension was the most prevalent chronic condition, often untreated due to lack of facilities and awareness; malaria remained widespread; diabetes was frequently undiagnosed; and visual impairment and dental issues were common. Community feedback emphasized gratitude but also highlighted the need for regular visits, specialized clinics, and sustainable follow‑up systems. Recommendations included expanding the medical team with more specialists, training community health workers, and partnering with local facilities to ensure continuity of care.
The SOMI Medical Unit thus stands as a vital lifeline, combining treatment with education, and ensuring that those at the margins of society receive both immediate relief and pathways to long‑term health.
