In commemoration of the 2026 World Diabetes Day, Afonchies Pharmacy Limited has offered free blood glucose and blood pressure screening to residents of Addo, Badore, Langbasa and neighbouring communities in the Ajah area of Lagos State.
World Diabetes Day is observed annually on 14 November to raise awareness about diabetes and promote prevention, early diagnosis and effective management. According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 24.6 million adults aged 20–79 were living with diabetes in Africa in 2024, with nearly three out of four unaware of their condition.
The screening exercise, held on Saturday, 14 November, at the company’s Addo branch, targeted 200 adults and aligned with this year’s theme, “Early Action on Diabetes,” which emphasises early diagnosis and timely intervention to prevent complications. In addition to the free blood glucose and blood pressure checks, participants received health counselling and professional medication advice.
The Managing Director of Afonchies, Pharm. Adebayo Afon, said the initiative reflected the company’s commitment to making healthcare more accessible and encouraging people to take greater responsibility for their health through regular screening and early intervention.
He explained that the company’s community pharmacy model went beyond dispensing medicines to providing health education, identifying potential health risks and connecting people to appropriate care. He also emphasised the importance of community-based interventions in addressing the burden of undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension.
Speaking on the activities at the screening centre, the Chief Pharmacist representing the Addo branch, Pharm. Michael Akpala, said the exercise was designed to address the fear and cost that often discourage people from checking their blood sugar and blood pressure.
He disclosed that beneficiaries with concerning results would receive counselling and be linked to nearby primary healthcare facilities, including those in Addo and Badore, for further evaluation and care. He added that the company hoped to build on the initiative by encouraging regular health checks.
Also speaking, the Chief Operating Officer, Pharm. Oluwatosin Majoyeogbe, disclosed that Afonchies currently had 13 active branches, with another nearing completion. He said the company intended to make the screening programme an annual event, rotating it across different communities where it operates.
He described community pharmacies as the first point of healthcare contact for many residents, stressing their role in promoting medication safety and appropriate treatment.
One of the beneficiaries, 78-year-old elder statesman, Mr Samuel Akinrinifin, commended Afonchies for the initiative, describing it as a valuable opportunity, particularly for elderly residents, to monitor their health.
Akinrinifin, who said regular health checks had been part of his personal healthcare routine, expressed satisfaction with the exercise, adding that he had never been hospitalised because of his commitment to regular monitoring. He urged Afonchies and other healthcare providers to sustain such initiatives and extend them to more elderly people.
