A vibrant contingent of students from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Isulo Community Study Centre, recently concluded a crucial community health outreach initiative in Anambra State. The program, a requirement for the DES 303 (Community Development) course in the 2025_1 semester, provided essential healthcare services and education to local residents.

The outreach, held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, took place at the Isulo Community Primary Health Care Centre, marking a significant step in bridging healthcare gaps within the community.

Dr. Georgina Ogbonna, Acting Centre Director, emphasized the indispensable nature of the program. "This exercise is an integral component of their academic curriculum," she stated, "without successful completion, graduation will not be possible."

Ogbonna further explained that the initiative was carefully designed to foster health awareness, administer free medical check-ups, and distribute medications to the Isulo populace. This aligns with NOUN's commitment to community engagement and practical service learning, demonstrating its core values in action.

The NOUN students, working in collaboration with experienced healthcare professionals, offered a range of vital services. These included informative health talks, blood pressure and blood sugar level screenings, and malaria testing.

In addition to diagnostic services, participants received essential medications such as anti-malarial drugs, paracetamol, and Vitamin C, contributing directly to improved health outcomes within the community.

Our on-site correspondent reports that a concerning trend emerged from the screening data. Approximately 80% of those screened were diagnosed with high blood pressure (hypertension), while a significant number also tested positive for malaria.

Perhaps more alarming was the revelation that many residents had never previously undergone such basic health screenings. This underscores a critical lack of awareness and limited access to fundamental healthcare services within the Isulo community, highlighting the importance and impact of the NOUN students' outreach efforts.