KARIS LIFE HOSPITAL ORORUWO PARTNERS UNICEF ON UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE AND END FGM/C
As part of its efforts in providing free, affordable and accessible healthcare to the less privileged in rural communities, Karis Life Hospital, Ororuwo in Boripe local government area of Osun state, has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, to sensitize the people of Ororuwo, Ada, Iragbiji, Ikirun and Igbajo communities on the need to end cutting of girls.
Speaking at the one day campaign held on Friday, 13th September 2019, with the theme “Campaign against Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Free Medical Check up, Madam Aderonke Olutayo, UNICEF consultant, who was ably represented by Mrs T. A Adelowokan of Osun State Ministry of Health stated that Osun State has 76.3% Female Genital Mutilation record in Nigeria. She further added that children between the ages of 0-15 years are mostly affected, while 3 million are currently at risk nationwide. She further stated that over 200 million women are living with the risk of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) globally, which calls for immediate attention. She therefore urged the participants to join hands with the global body to end FGM/C in their respective communities.
Meanwhile, Kabiyesi, the Olororuwo of Ororuwo, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Adeyemi Alawode, who was present at the event, thanked UNICEF for bringing such an important campaign to Ororuwo. In his words, Oba Alawode said, he has seen the pains, agony and various deleterious consequences of FGM. He was very delighted with Karis Life Hospital being the facilitator of the event, saying that the hospital is the number one hospital in Nigeria working towards the SDGs 3 of good health and well being as well as Universal Health coverage which covers affordability, accessibility and quality of service delivery. Ororuwo is so lucky and proud to be in custody of a privately owned hospital offering the best healthcare services FREE of charge in South West Nigeria. He therefore urged various stakeholders as well as other international organizations to visit the town and witness first hand and the transformation brought about by the hospital in terms of preventive and curative healthcare in Ororuwo.
Earlier, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the hospital Dr. O. Ore, represented by the Matron, Mrs O. Olaiya, welcomed all the participants. In her words, she encouraged them to make sure that they visit the hospital early and stop visiting the Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and Traditional Health Providers (THPs), who are hell bent on providing destructive health care services capable of hampering their lives, which could lead to death.
Mr. Kunle Ajayi, a certified Universal Health Coverage professional of the World health Organization, W.H.O who was present at the event charged the hospital management not to renege on their efforts in making affordable, accessible and quality healthcare available to people of Ororuwo. He further urged participants from neighbouring villages to continually take advantage of the immense benefits of the hospital and as well ensure they stop cutting girls.
As part of activities during the event, a Free medical check up was conducted on all the participants after which appropriate drugs were administered and given freely too.
