On December 14, 2024, NAS Medical Mission’s outreach was conducted at the Naka Internally Displaced Persons Camp in the Gwer-West Local Government Area of Benue State. The intervention was designed to address the pressing healthcare needs of residents of the camp who have been forcefully uprooted from their homesteads as a result of the prolonged farmer-herder conflict in their region. This conflict, spanning over a decade, has left more than a million people displaced and without access to basic healthcare services. The outreach was the brainchild of Rima Deck (Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba States) and Longhorn Deck (Texas, Arkansas, and Louisiana of the Pyrates Confraternity, with additional sponsorship and support from Emmanuel Gbahabo Esq. and Government General Hospital, Naka.
The primary objectives of the NAS Medical Mission at the Naka IDP Camp were drawn up after an initial extensive needs assessment visit, which provided critical insights into the camp’s population’s health challenges. The objectives were:
- To provide free medical consultations and treatment.
- To distribute essential medicines and health supplies.
- To educate the camp population on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention.
- To identify and refer severe cases to secondary or tertiary healthcare facilities.
NAKA IDP CAMP
Naka IDP Camp hosts approximately a thousand individuals, predominantly women and children, who have been displaced due to ongoing conflict in the region. Limited access to healthcare services has exacerbated the prevalence of communicable diseases, malnutrition, and maternal health challenges within the camp. The camp is densely populated, accommodating over 1000 displaced persons in inadequate shelter, with poor access to qualitative healthcare and poor access to water and sanitary facilities. The poor socioeconomic conditions of the camp community further worsen this situation. The camp was strategically chosen for this intervention following a series of visits that revealed an urgent medical crisis among the inhabitants.
Government General Hospital in Naka played a pivotal role in enhancing the mission’s capabilities by lending essential medical equipment, including weight scales, stethoscopes, and blood pressure monitors, which complemented the resources provided by the NAS Medical Mission.
MEDICAL OUTREACH
The medical mission adopted a multipronged approach whose key components were in the form of medical consultations and treatments, laboratory screenings, drug dispensation, health advocacy, referrals, and the donation of essential supplies. Volunteer health workers who took part in the medical mission included:
5 Medical Doctors
2 Pharmacists
6 Nurses
6 Laboratory Technicians
3 Data Collectors
Other stakeholders included members of the police force, civil defence, state security services, photographers and videographers, and a crowd control team.
A total of 350 individuals benefited from free medical consultations and treatments. These services focused on diagnosing and managing common and chronic health conditions affecting the camp’s population. The medical team provided essential care to ensure that immediate health concerns were addressed, helping to alleviate some of the pressing health challenges within the community.
Comprehensive laboratory tests were conducted, revealing alarming results that underscored the severity of the health crisis within the camp. Critical findings included over 60% of hypertension cases at critical stages, 34 cases of diabetes and one case of prediabetes, 8 cases of Hepatitis C and one case of Hepatitis B, 6 cases of RVST (HIV), and 7 cases of positive Helicobacter Pylori (indicative of peptic ulcer disease). These findings highlighted a dire need for early interventions and consistent healthcare monitoring among the displaced population.
Essential medications, including antimalarials, antihypertensives, antibiotics, antidiabetics, and vitamins, were dispensed free of charge to address the immediate health needs of patients. The distribution of these medications ensured that individuals received the necessary treatment for both acute and chronic conditions, helping to improve their overall health outcomes.
The outreach also included an extensive health advocacy session aimed at educating participants about preventive care, hygiene, and disease prevention. The session significantly improved participants’ understanding of basic health practices, with many reporting increased awareness of how to maintain hygiene and prevent illnesses. This education was crucial for fostering long-term health improvements within the community.
Patients with severe or chronic conditions requiring advanced care were referred to secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities to ensure continuity of treatment. These referrals ensured that individuals with complex health issues received the specialised care they needed, which was vital for managing their conditions over time.
In addition to medical services, the mission provided non-medical support by distributing soaps, detergents, and toiletries. These items were crucial in addressing the immediate hygiene needs of the camp’s residents and improving their living conditions. The distribution of these supplies contributed to better sanitary practices, which is essential in preventing the spread of diseases in crowded environments.
The mission’s impact extended beyond healthcare delivery. The findings from the outreach underscored the critical gaps in early diagnosis and healthcare access among the IDPs, emphasising the need for sustained interventions. The donations of hygiene materials and the education provided further reinforced the mission’s approach to improving the lives of the IDPs.
Patient records and feedback were systematically gathered during the outreach to evaluate its impact and identify areas for improvement. The data collected included detailed patient demographics, diagnoses, treatments administered, and referrals made. Feedback from participants highlighted the relevance and effectiveness of the intervention, providing valuable insights for future initiatives.
MEDICAL IMPACT
Patient Statistics: A total of 350 individuals received medical attention, including children and pregnant women. The primary occupations within the camp community are predominantly farming and indentured labour.
90% of beneficiaries were female, and over 90% were also farmers but 100% were Christians of the predominant Tiv tribe, with the majority of beneficiaries between the ages of 40 and 80 years.
PATIENT STATISTICS
No. of registered clients : 350
Males: 35
Females: 315
Adults: 308
Children below 18 years: 42
- Common Conditions Treated: The most prevalent conditions included malaria, respiratory infections, skin diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Details of medical cases consulted:
Malaria: 35%
Peptic Ulcer Disease: 95%
Hypertension: 50%
Diabetes Mellitus: 34%
HIV: 20%
Hepatitis C: 95%
Hepatitis B: 21%
Total number of cases – 350
Comprehensive laboratory tests were conducted, revealing alarming results that underscored the severity of the health crisis within the camp. Critical findings included:
- Over 60% of hypertension cases are at critical stages.
- 34 cases of diabetes and one case of prediabetes.
- 8 cases of Hepatitis C and one case of Hepatitis B.
- 6 cases of RVST (HIV).
- 7 cases of positive Helicobacter pylori (indicative of peptic ulcer disease).
CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED
In the course of this mission, one of the challenges encountered was in the area of the scope of certain diagnostic and treatment procedures, which was hampered by the limited availability of specialised medical equipment. Moreover, the high demand for medical services exceeded initial projections, creating significant pressure on resources and personnel. Logistical constraints were also experienced during the transportation of medical supplies to the camp.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Scale-Up Interventions: Increase the frequency and duration of medical outreach programs to ensure more sustained impact on the IDP community.
2. Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborate further with local healthcare providers to ensure ongoing support and capacity building.
3. Invest in Specialised Resources: Allocate more funding for the procurement of advanced medical equipment and the engagement of specialised personnel.
4. Integrate Mental Health Services: Include mental health assessments and counselling in future interventions to address the psychosocial challenges faced by IDPs.