LAGOS—To mark this year’s World Heart Day, Chike Okoli Foundation, COF, has said it is targeting no fewer than 5,000 Lagosians for free heart checks as part of efforts to create awareness on the increasing incidences of heart diseases in the country.

The COF is a non-profit organisation set up in May 2006, in memory of Late Chike Edward Okoli, who passed away on 31st May 2005, five days after his 25th birthday from undetected coronary artery disease.

In the last five years, the Foundation has reached over 5 million people across Nigeria informing them on the growing dangers of cardiovascular diseases and how to make lifestyle interventions.

The Chike Okoli Foundation was basically set up, to fight poverty and Cardiovascular Disease, CVDs.

Announcing the commencement of the 6th Annual Chike Okoli Week in collaboration with the Association of Community Pharmacists, ACPN, Lagos State Chapter, the Project Director, Ms. Beauty Alfred, said the week was aimed at providing free healthcare services as well as sensitising people around the globe that heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death.

The event billed to hold between 26 and 28, September, 2012 at Lafiaji community centre, Obalende will also feature lecture series on healthy living and preventive options against CVDs by seasoned Cardiologist, CVD risk factor screening for participants, free heart checks such as; Blood pressure Checks, Random blood sugar tests, Cholesterol test & Body Mass Index (BMI) Measurement, counseling and referral services and distribution of health related information materials.

The exercise will hold 8am to 4pm daily.

“Our target is to reach out to over 5,000 community Members (Lagos Island East & West) as our beneficiaries through the help of the best medical specialist to ensure Services rendered during these program are completely free”.