NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers earns UN praise as Felipe Paullier hails Nigeria’s youth-driven rural healthcare outreach in Abuja

The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs and Head of the UN Youth Office, Felipe Paullier, has described the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) as a critical driver of youth development in Nigeria, while commending its rural healthcare outreach programme during a visit to Abuja.

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The endorsement came at the flag-off of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) held in Kabusa community, Federal Capital Territory, where the UN Youth Affairs chief participated in official engagements centred on youth development and public health delivery.

Paullier said his visit to Nigeria focused on strengthening collaboration with youth organisations and stakeholders, particularly the NYSC, with the aim of advancing youth participation in development, peacebuilding and human rights.

He noted that many young Nigerians he interacted with expressed pride in their NYSC experience, describing the scheme as a powerful platform for national unity and service.

NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers also received praise from Paullier, who said the programme’s free medical outreach was contributing meaningfully to improved healthcare access and broader development outcomes in underserved communities.

Earlier, the Director-General of the NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, disclosed that over five million Nigerians have benefited from the initiative since its launch in 2014.

He added that the scheme is targeting about 45,000 rural residents this year, supported by newly acquired mobile clinics donated by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to expand healthcare delivery across rural areas.

Nafiu further announced plans to introduce free minor surgical procedures under the programme, describing it as part of efforts to strengthen access to essential healthcare services.

He said the initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on good health and well-being and Goal 1 on poverty reduction, by easing the financial burden on vulnerable households.

Traditional ruler of Kabusa village, Chief Samuel A. Kpowu, commended the NYSC for extending free healthcare services to the community, describing the outreach as unprecedented.

The two-day programme included health consultations, laboratory tests, eye care services, medical sensitisation, treatment, diagnosis and referrals, alongside health education sessions delivered by corps medical personnel.

A key highlight of the event was the inspection of two newly donated mobile clinics, while health talks were also translated into the local Gbagyi language to enhance community understanding.

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The initiative was supported by partner organisations including Genlab/Doc.roa and the Rabiu Olowo Foundation, which contributed to the successful execution of the outreach programme.