HPI Africa launched Community Checkup program in Abuja
In commemorating World Diabetes Day 2021 and promoting a healthy lifestyle among Nigerians, Health Proactivists Initiative (HPI Africa), a non-profit based in Lagos, launched its debut Abuja Community Checkup program. The program that has about sixty beneficiaries in attendance was held on the 13th of November, 2021 at the Old Kutunku Community, Gwagwalada.
Dr. Kolawole Ruqayyah, the organization’s vice lead of Programs said it is very necessary to educate Nigerians on a healthy lifestyle now more than ever before. She said: “Now more than ever, especially in the light of COVID19, it is necessary to promote a healthy lifestyle among Nigerians by sharing evidence-based tips from trained professionals and screen individuals for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension and diabetes while providing support for those with the condition.
“Furthermore, according to WHO, almost half of the individuals with hypertension globally are unaware of their hypertensive condition, and 4 in 5 people with diabetes are living in low-middle income countries like Nigeria. It is apparent that there is urgency in this fight against NCDs to stand a chance at saving Africa’s working population from premature deaths.”
During the program, community members and some of their leaders received health education that reiterated effective preventive practices such as reduction in salt intake, regular physical activity, increase intake of fruits and vegetables daily, smoking cessation, reduction in alcohol intake, and medication adherence.
About sixty individuals were screened for hypertension and diabetes, medications were provided for control, and emphasis was placed on returning for follow-up to prevent complications.
Retraining of primary health care workers on NCDs care was also done with the aim of strengthening primary health response of the community. This is an essential pillar of the HPI Africa Community Checkup project. “These health workers are usually the first point of contact in the community and if they continue to share the right tips, and appropriately refer as needed, a ripple effect of improved NCDs prevention and control is the result”, explained Dr. Marietta Imadojiemu, the organization’s Founder and Executive director.
Glucose monitoring apparatus, strips, and drugs were donated to the centre as well. This will aid continued screening and regular monitoring of blood sugar of people living with diabetes in the community.
The organization appreciates Healthify Africa who acted as a major sponsor for the project, volunteers, donors, and the HIRD corps members in Gwagwalada, Abuja led by Sci Muhammad Bashir. They also reinstate their commitment to reach out to more communities and scale their impact to consequently reduce premature deaths from Non-Communicable diseases in Nigeria by 2030. Sponsorships, Partnerships, donations, and volunteers to support their work are always welcome.
This is a laudable program,God will enlarged your it.