By Esther Onyegbula

Kwara and Osun States have benefited from a series of health interventions aimed at improving public health outcomes as the Shepherd for Health, Environment, Advocacy, and Development (SHEAD) Centre, in collaboration with the US-based non-profit After God’s Heart, launched targeted programs addressing tuberculosis (TB) treatment, hepatitis B screening, and menstrual hygiene education.

Dr. Babatunde Olaniyan, Chief Executive Officer of SHEAD Centre, stated that the initiatives were designed to tackle critical healthcare challenges identified through extensive needs assessments in both states. According to him, “Investing in community and health system strengthening leads to sustainable improvements in public health, economic stability, and overall well-being.”

The interventions are backed by After God’s Heart, a US-based organization focused on charitable, educational, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs.

As part of the initiative, 50 TB patients in Kwara and Osun States received nutritional support to enhance their treatment adherence. According to Olaniyan, proper nutrition strengthens the immune system, which is crucial for fighting TB infections. Patients were selected based on high-priority needs, clinic attendance records, and adherence to treatment regimens.

Explaining further, Olaniyan stated that to ensure long-term impact, SHEAD Centre will collaborate with the State TB and Leprosy Control Program (STBLCP) to monitor beneficiaries and evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention.

Another key aspect of the project focuses on menstrual hygiene education for high school girls. SHEAD Centre identified poor menstrual hygiene and lack of sanitary products as major factors contributing to school absenteeism among girls.

During sensitization sessions, female students were educated on proper menstrual hygiene, the importance of sanitary product accessibility, and safe menstrual waste disposal. “Access to menstrual products is a right, not a privilege,” Olaniyan emphasized. To sustain these efforts, SHEAD Centre plans to train teachers and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to continue menstrual health education and promote the use of reusable pads.

Additionally, to strengthen diagnostic services, the organization donated a 202-litre inverter refrigerator and a 2000-volt stabilizer to the Truenat Laboratory at General Hospital, Lafiagi, Kwara State. The facility, which specializes in rapid TB diagnosis, had been struggling with sample storage challenges.

The new equipment is expected to improve the accuracy and reliability of diagnostic testing by ensuring proper sample preservation. “The stabilizer will regulate voltage fluctuations, protecting the refrigerator and minimizing equipment failure,” Olaniyan added.

Recognizing the high prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women, SHEAD Centre also conducted free hepatitis B screening for 1,000 expectant mothers—500 in Kwara and 500 in Osun. The screening revealed that 32 women in total, including 16 from Kwara, tested reactive for the virus.

To prevent mother-to-child transmission, the organization has committed to continuous monitoring and treatment support for affected women. “Hepatitis B is a leading cause of liver cancer, and early detection is crucial. By ensuring these women receive the necessary medical care, we can significantly reduce transmission rates,” Olaniyan stated.

He reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to addressing healthcare disparities, saying, “Our goal is to implement sustainable solutions that enhance access to quality healthcare and improve the overall health outcomes of our communities.”

Speaking on the collaboration, the Co-Founder/President of After God’s Heart Inc., Mrs. Martha Olawale, said the organization is supporting SHEAD Centre’s efforts because they align with its mission of fostering community-based health improvements.

“The synergy between our mission and that of SHEAD Centre makes this partnership essential. We believe that through targeted interventions, we can collectively make a significant impact on healthcare systems and improve the lives of vulnerable populations,” she added.

The highlight of the outreach was the donation of Bibles to participants and members of the Fellowship of Christian Students.

Beyond these immediate interventions, SHEAD Centre and After God’s Heart are planning future collaborations to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in the region. Through resource mobilization and partnerships, the organizations aim to ensure long-term improvements in public health and well-being.