The United Nations has praised the National Youth Service Corps for its contribution to youth development and its growing role in delivering healthcare services to underserved rural communities across Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the NYSC Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers (HIRD) in Kabusa, Abuja, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, Felipe Paullier, described NYSC as a valuable platform for empowering young Nigerians and promoting development, peace, and human rights. He also applauded the scheme’s free healthcare outreach, saying it is making a meaningful difference in improving lives in remote communities.

NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, revealed that since the programme began in 2014, more than five million Nigerians have benefited from free medical services under HIRD. He added that the scheme aims to reach another 45,000 rural residents this year, supported by two newly donated mobile clinics from Oluremi Tinubu.

Nafiu said the programme is also preparing to introduce free minor surgeries for rural dwellers, expanding beyond consultations, diagnostics, and treatment. According to him, the initiative directly supports global development goals by improving health access and reducing financial burdens on vulnerable households.

Community leaders in Kabusa welcomed the outreach, describing it as the first major free healthcare intervention of its kind in the area.