De’ Maria Foundation has intensified efforts to address health, educational and social challenges affecting vulnerable populations across the country.

Founder of the foundation, Dr Ebitimi Tobuyei, a public health advocate, made this known as the organisation reached over 2,000 beneficiaries through its flagship initiative, The Red Bloom Project: Empowering Girls One Pad at a Time.

The programme held in Abuja covered Nyanya Secondary School, FCT Abuja; the Suleja Correctional Facility in Niger State; Mararaba Kabayi Community in Nasarawa State and St. Francis Catholic Church, Pegi-Kuje, FCT Abuja.

Supported by a team of medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals and volunteers, the programme combined HPV and cervical cancer awareness campaigns with free medical outreach services, distribution of medications, welfare support, scholarships and financial assistance to vulnerable beneficiaries.

At Nyanya Secondary School, students received health education on HPV prevention, cervical cancer awareness, menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health. The Foundation also awarded scholarships to selected students to support their educational aspirations. Sanitary pads, educational materials and welfare items were distributed to beneficiaries.

At the Suleja Correctional Facility, both female and male inmates benefited from a comprehensive medical outreach conducted by the Foundation’s healthcare team. Medical personnel checked vital signs, carried out basic laboratory investigations, provided medical consultations and administered appropriate treatment. Free medications were distributed based on medical needs, while health education sessions were conducted on reproductive health, HPV prevention, cervical cancer awareness and the importance of routine health screening. Welfare packages were also provided to support the well-being of inmates.

The outreach continued in Mararaba Kabayi Community, where women, men, adolescents and children participated in health awareness sessions and benefited from free medical consultations, vital signs checks, laboratory investigations, medications and healthcare advice. Participants were educated on HPV transmission, cervical cancer prevention, personal hygiene and healthy living. Welfare materials and financial support were also provided to selected vulnerable beneficiaries.

The programme was also held at St. Francis Catholic Church, Pegi-Kuje, where members of the congregation benefited from health education, medical consultations, free medications, welfare packages and financial assistance. Participants were also educated on women’s health, cervical cancer prevention and the importance of routine health screening.

Speaking after the outreach, Tobuyei said: “The Red Bloom Project is about empowering people through knowledge, healthcare and support. Beyond raising awareness, we are providing direct medical assistance, welfare support and educational opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities.”

She commended the healthcare professionals, volunteers and partners whose dedication contributed to the success of the programme.

De’ Maria Foundation is a humanitarian and public health organisation dedicated to improving lives through healthcare interventions, education, advocacy and community development programmes.