By Oveimeh-Brown Alfredo
Mrs. Funmi Abayomi, 42, had been battling severe headaches and dizziness for months. A petty trader based in Gwagwalada, one of Abuja’s communities, she could not afford to see a doctor, so she resorted to self-medication, which worsened her health. One day, at a medical outreach organised in her community by a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Abayomi was diagnosed with high blood pressure. She eventually received adequate medication. Mrs. Abayomi’s story is a broad reflection of how faith-based organisations such as RCCG are filling critical gaps in healthcare access in Nigeria.
Faith-based organisations (FBOs) have played a crucial part in Nigeria’s social development, providing assistance where government resources fall short. In a country where healthcare and social welfare systems struggle to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population, these organisations provide essential services in healthcare, education and poverty alleviation.
Their impact is particularly felt in rural and underserved areas, where access to basic services is limited. Among the numerous FBOs making strides in this space are Christian Aid Nigeria, the Islamic Relief Organisation Nigeria, the Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN), and the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN). Among Nigeria’s Pentecostal fold, the RCCG stands out for its extensive reach and consistent efforts in community development.
In Gwagwalada, Abuja, RCCG’s healthcare outreach is a prime example of the role FBOs play in delivering medical services to underserved populations. The programme offered free blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, malaria tests, eye check-ups, and medication distribution. For residents like Mrs. Abayomi, who had no access to regular medical care, this initiative was a lifeline.
Another beneficiary, Musa Ibrahim, a 50-year-old farmer suffering from persistent fever and joint pain that he dismissed as common fever, was tested for malaria at the outreach and given treatment that alleviated his symptoms. He shared, “I thought it was just a normal sickness, but I’m feeling much better now after taking the medication they gave me. I can go back to farming again.”
Mariam Suleiman, a 30-year-old mother of three, had been struggling with an untreated eye infection. The outreach not only provided her with a diagnosis but also the treatment she needed. “I was afraid I might go blind, but now I can see clearly again, thanks to the church,” she said, thankful. The outreach in Gwagwalada has become more than just a medical intervention; it has transformed lives, giving people the gift of health and hope.
From this healthcare initiative in Gwagwalada to similar programmes across the country, RCCG demonstrates a comprehensive approach to community service. By leveraging volunteers from within their congregations—many of whom are doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—the church ensures that the quality of care provided is high. These professionals donate their time and expertise to serve those who would otherwise have no access to healthcare, reinforcing the church’s commitment to holistic service.
The story of RCCG’s work is a larger reflection of the critical role FBOs play in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape. As religious institutions deeply embedded within communities, FBOs are uniquely positioned to offer services that are not only accessible but also trusted by the people. While their spiritual mission remains at the core, their humanitarian initiatives often transcend religious boundaries, serving people of all faiths and backgrounds.
However, these efforts are not without challenges. The demand for healthcare in areas like Gwagwalada often far exceeds the capacity of these outreach programmes. Sustainability is another hurdle, as continued funding and volunteer commitment are necessary to keep these programmes running. While faith-based organisations have filled significant gaps, there is still a pressing need for the government to invest more in healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
Nevertheless, faith-based organisations are not only addressing immediate health concerns but also contributing to the long-term social development of the country through these programmes. As the stories of Mrs. Abayomi and others illustrate, FBOs remain vital players in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare and social development.
Mrs. Funmi Abayomi, a 42-year-old petty trader in Gwagwalada, suffered from undiagnosed high blood pressure, exacerbated by self-medication due to her inability to afford medical care. She finally received proper diagnosis and treatment at a healthcare outreach organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). This reflects the significant role faith-based organizations (FBOs) like RCCG play in bridging critical healthcare gaps in Nigeria, especially in underserved and rural communities.
FBOs such as RCCG, Christian Aid Nigeria, and the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria provide essential services, including healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation, where government resources are insufficient. In Gwagwalada, RCCG's healthcare programme offers free medical services, such as blood pressure and diabetes screenings, malaria tests, eye check-ups, and medication. This initiative has significantly impacted residents' lives, exemplified by Musa Ibrahim, a farmer treated for malaria, and Mariam Suleiman, who received treatment for an eye infection.
The RCCG's outreach demonstrates a comprehensive community service approach, leveraging volunteer healthcare professionals from their congregation to ensure high-quality care. While these initiatives are crucial, they face challenges such as high demand, limited capacity, and the need for sustained funding and volunteer engagement. Despite these issues, FBOs are crucial in addressing immediate health concerns and contributing to Nigeria's long-term social development. Their humanitarian efforts often transcend religious boundaries, offering accessible and trusted services that play a vital role in the healthcare landscape.
