Campaign Against HIV/AIDS Yielding Result, Says Expert

pharmacy

– As Rotary Club opens free health camp for Lagos Island residents

In what appears to be a breakthrough, a renowned medical diagnostic consultant has noted that the rate of people who tested positive for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is on the decline.

Speaking to Pharmanews at the just concluded Rotary Club of Lagos Island’s free eye screening and health camp, Rotarian (Chief) Anil Grover, board chairman of Grover Medical Lifestyle Clinic in Victoria Island, disclosed that unlike previous screening sessions, this year’s HIV/AIDS screening exercise did not produce a single positive result.

The two-day health programme, which started from 29 September, at Grover Medical Lifestyle Clinic in Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted about 400 participants, drawn from the immediate community, Ikoyi, Lekki, Ajah and the mainland.

“I find it strange,” said Grover. “In the past, we used to have a considerable number of such results coming out positive. But this year is different. They all turned out negative. It is a good development. It is an indication that people are beginning to take their health seriously.”

While applauding the massive turnout, Grover, who is also a pharmacist with background in pharmacology, disclosed that 30 per cent of the participants were diagnosed of malaria; some, anaemia; while others were found to have diabetes and high blood pressure.

He added that those found with chronic eye challenges during the screening had been given referrals.

According to Grover: “The two-day health camp was what you can call a complete cycle. Right from the registration point, nurses’ camp, physicians and medical laboratory scientists – all hands were on deck.

“Another interesting feature I discovered was that many participants found with hypertension were not even aware they had it. I believe it was partly because many, especially the police and other security personnel, had little or no time to go for regular check-up.”

In a show of gratitude, Grover praised Rotary District President, Sanjeev Tandon; officials of the Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASTMA) and the Victoria Island Police Division for providing security and maintaining orderliness.

He also lauded the efforts of 1004 Residents Association and Eti Osa Council chairman for crowd mobilisation and support.

“In subsequent Rotary health camps, we shall be looking to partner with more organisations such as banks, FMCGs and other corporate social responsibility (CSR)-inclined companies.

“It has started well through Rotary Club’s collaboration with Grover Lifestyle Medical. But it could be bigger if we have everybody on board,” Grover noted.

The free health camp featured distribution of insecticide treated nets and sanitary towels for girls; HIV test; deworming for kids; eye test; screening for diabetes, hypertension, malaria, hepatitis and tuberculosis; as well as treatment, where necessary.

Rotarian Grover, coordinator of the programme, further counselled particiants on wellness and effective use of contraceptives.

Several other Rotary members under District 9110, such as doctors, nurses, medical lab scientists and opticians, also willingly volunteered their services.