By Matthew Johnson

In commemoration of International Women’s Day, the Gbonse Foundation for Economic Development, a non-governmental organisation, yesterday organised a free medical outreach for women in Igando community, Lagos.

The outreach, held at the foundation’s office at KM2, LASU–Ojo Express Road, Odo-Eran, Igando, according to the organisers, was aimed at providing basic healthcare services for women with limited access to medical care.Over 40 beneficiaries discovered to have blood sugar levels during the tests were referred to hospital for further medical attention.

Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mrs. Helen Olaniyan, said the initiative was also designed to promote health and improve the well-being of underserved populations.

According to her, “ the medical outreach featured free blood pressure checks, blood sugar tests, health education sessions, as well as referrals for further medical care where necessary.

“The outreach is particularly significant as it coincided with the global celebration of International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to recognising the strength, resilience and contributions of women to families, communities and society.

“The initiative is designed to provide essential health services to residents who may have limited access to regular medical care. The foundation’s activities are part of a broader mission to improve the economic and social well-being of Nigerians by supporting underserved communities through empowerment programmes and social welfare initiatives.

“Our goal is to empower citizens, especially those at the bottom of the socioeconomic pyramid, and contribute to building a society free from poverty and economic disparity. Our goal is also to help families improve their living conditions and reduce poverty within our communities. We achieve this by supporting small businesses, organizing free medical checkups, and implementing community support programs that address the needs of vulnerable groups.

“Gbonse works closely with churches, community leaders and volunteers to ensure that these services reach the people who need them most. Through these partnerships, we aim to make a positive impact by touching lives, giving hope and helping families become stronger and healthier,” the CEO stated.

Also speaking during the outreach, a medical practitioner with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Mr. Bamidele Oni, stressed the importance of routine health checks and preventive healthcare.

“From my observation, I could find out that some of the people that came had elevated blood sugar. 40 to 50 people have high blood pressure. Then about 15 to 20 had elevated blood sugar and they are being referred to the General Hospital, while some of them that were already using hospitals before, I told them to continue using their hospital,” Oni said.

He explained that prevention of diseases could be categorised into three stages:“Primary prevention is routine checkup. Secondary prevention is the taking of drugs, and tertiary prevention is to prevent complications and manage early complications before they lead to unbearable complications.”

Oni also noted that some illnesses were hereditary and might run in families, making regular medical checks necessary.

Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the initiative.One of them, Mrs. Funmi Okanlanwon, a trader at Odo-Eran, said the programme had helped many residents check their health status.

“The programme is helpful. It also cautioned everyone on what to eat and what not to eat. We were advised to engage in exercises while watching our sugar level. I appreciate the management of Gbonse Foundation because many of us are not financially stable to go for all this check up but with Gbonse we know what our health status is now.”

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Nkechi Akudinobi, described the foundation as supportive both medically and financially.

“Gbonse foundation was there for me financially till date and I still receive some money to support my business which has been helpful to me and my family and for today’s outreach I know my health status and what to eat and what not to eat,” she said.