Women have been advised to undergo periodic health checks to prevent deaths from avoidable causes. According to Evangelist (Mrs) Rachel Abosede Ariyo Oyeniran, the founder of Rachel’s Women’s Court Foundation, many women die each year due to a lack of information about their health status and limited access to quality healthcare.
Speaking at a medical outreach organized by the Foundation in collaboration with Heart Message and Treasure Kids Foundation in Lagos, Oyeniran revealed that Hepatitis B alone contributes to approximately 820,000 deaths annually.
“It is very painful that we have lost one of our most industrious women to a preventable ailment. We have discovered that women suffer from more terminal diseases than men, and that is why we are intervening,” Oyeniran stated.
She emphasized the need to assist women, particularly regarding their health, as many are suffering in silence without even knowing they have underlying illnesses.
“We have partnered with foundations for this free medical check-up and provision of drugs,” Oyeniran added. “Due to the harsh economic realities, most women cannot afford to check their blood pressure, let alone undergo medical check-ups or receive treatment for their ailments.”
Oyeniran called attention to the prevalence of Hepatitis B, HIV, and other silent-killer diseases such as high blood pressure (HBP). She highlighted the urgent need for action, as people are dying and the general hospitals are overstretched, lacking sufficient bed space and medications.
She urged the Lagos State Government to increase advocacy and awareness campaigns for the Ilera Eko project, providing residents with improved access to quality healthcare facilities in general hospitals.
Sera Akerele, a co-convener of Heart Message, revealed that new cases of diabetes and high blood pressure were discovered during the medical intervention.
Heart Message focuses on providing quality healthcare to communities through bi-monthly medical outreaches in collaboration with local organisations.
“We are partnering with Rachel’s Women Court Foundation to build a community of women with sound health,” Akerele explained. The medical team screened women for HBP, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HIV, and Hepatitis B, and conducted urine analysis. After analysing the results, health professionals provided counselling on lifestyle modifications and necessary health tips.
Akerele added, “For those with existing conditions, we provided lifestyle modifications, medications, and counselling. We have also discovered new cases, such as a woman who had high FBS levels without prior knowledge of her condition. Our aim is to build healthy communities through heartfelt messages.”
Pharmacist Olaleye Modina, a resource person and volunteer, provided counselling on the importance of regular health check-ups. She stressed the need for yearly medical check-ups for individuals with underlying illnesses as they age.
“I am here as a volunteer to counsel women and the elderly on lifestyle modifications and how to take care of themselves to improve their health,” Modina said. The medical tests conducted included urine analysis, Hepatitis B, HBP, diabetes, HIV, and arthritis.
Mrs Adebiyi Olufunke, a beneficiary and a school security personnel, shared her experience, saying, “I was checked for HBP, blood sugar levels, Hepatitis B, and HIV. It was discovered that my sugar level and blood pressure were high. I had thought I had no underlying ailments, but now I know I have diabetes and high blood pressure. I was advised to rest and given medications.”
Michael Kayode Ojo, a volunteer for Treasure Kids Foundation, explained that their organization focuses on supporting special needs children with congenital conditions like sickle cell anaemia and cerebral palsy. Their goal is to encourage and assist these children and their families.
“We are here today to identify and engage with these children. Many of them hide and are ashamed to share their stories. Our role is to help manage their conditions, provide training to parents, and collaborate with the government to meet their needs,” Ojo stated.
The foundation identified a child with cerebral palsy and is working with the mother for diagnosis and further assistance.
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