By Enyinna Omoke, Abakaliki
The EQUI-RESP Africa Research Project is set to provide free diagnosis and treatment to 200 people with respiratory symptoms at the Abakaliki Rice Mill in Ebonyi State. The outreach, hosted by David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS) and Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital (AE-FUTHA), kicked off with free screening for workers and residents.
Professor Jesse Uneke, EQUI-RESP’s Principal Investigator and DUFUHS Vice-Chancellor, said the team will provide complete treatment, including referrals if needed, for the first 200 diagnosed cases.
He described the Abakaliki Rice Mill as a critical hub in Nigeria’s economy, noting that the health of its workers must be prioritised.
“There is hardly any part of Nigeria where you don’t hear about Abakaliki rice. The men and women labouring here to feed the nation must not be forgotten. Their health conditions should be a priority,” he said.
Uneke expressed concern over the exposure of workers, particularly women, to rice dust without adequate protective gear.
“We observed several women working where rice dust is heavily concentrated, without safety kits. They play a vital role in the economy. We are encouraging them to undergo respiratory screening. Anyone found to have a respiratory condition will receive free treatment,” he added.
Prof.Uneke revealed that the research team is also monitoring air quality within the rice mill to generate data that could guide public health policies.
“If you claim that an environment is polluted without scientific evidence, it becomes difficult to design context-specific policies. That is why we deployed air quality monitors—to determine pollution levels, quantify the risks, and generate evidence that government ministries can use to formulate appropriate health policies,” he explained.
Also speaking, the Director of the Institute of Child Health at AE-FUTHA, Professor Techla Ezeonu, said the outreach was necessitated by the high incidence of respiratory conditions among workers in the rice mill community.
“It is important to ensure equitable access to healthcare. These workers are feeding the nation, and we must bring healthcare closer to them,” she said.
Ezeonu disclosed that the team is using diagnostic tools, including spirometry machines, to assess lung function and identify patients with respiratory impairments.
“For those with faulty lung function, we have free medications available. Our aim is not only to treat but also to educate them on how to prevent respiratory diseases,” she added.
The intervention is expected to improve early detection, treatment, and awareness of respiratory health challenges.
