As part of its mission in preventing cardiovascular diseases among Nigerians, Emzor Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with Chike Okoli Foundation, have conducted free medical screening on over 1000 residents of Akanun-Laara Community, Adamo, in Ikorodu area of Lagos State.
The free medical checks organised by the Pacesetter CDA of Akanun-Laara in conjunction with Emzor Pharmaceuticals, held at the Field of Okikiola Street, Akanun-Laara, in Adamo, Ikorodu.
Participants at the health outreach had their blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol level and BMI, tested for free, while children were dewormed.
Speaking with the Programme Coordinator, Chike Okoli, Foundation, Mrs Obi Adimachukwu, in an exclusive interview at the programme, she explained the motive behind their exercise in the area.
She disclosed that Chike Okoli Foundation was established with the major reason for providing wellness services to Nigerians through free medical screening.
“Chike Okoli Foundation was founded in memory of late Chike Okoli, who died of cardiovascular disease.
“In order to reduce the cardiovascular burden in Nigeria, we create awareness of cardiovascular diseases among Nigerians by conducting important medical checks such as blood sugar level, blood pressure, cholesterol level and BMI.
“We came to this community first in 2018, but today’s attendance outnumbered that of 2018, because the CDA chairman told us that he was expecting 800 participants, but they are more than that”.
Of all the tests conducted on the people, she said their findings showed that most of the people have high cholesterol level, and they don’t have an idea of what it is about.
“The normal cholesterol level is 1 to 200, but once it is above 200, it is high. And high cholesterol is one of the indications of cardiovascular diseases”, she stated.
To avert a negative occurrence, Adimachukwu counselled the people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, by avoiding junks and eating healthy foods, with regular exercise.
In a chat with the Pacesetter CDA Chairman, Mr Waliu Balogun, he emphasised the importance of sound health for every man and woman, above every other thing, saying it determines the prosperity of the community.
Balogun who remarked on the massive turnout of the people, said they initially planned for 1000 children and 600 adults, but the attendance exceeded their expectations; which is an indication of increased population.
He however assured the people of more robust health outreach in the future, as the CDA, based on its budget will seek support from medical doctors for further consultations and treatment.
He said “The first thing is check up and screening, now, since they know their health status, they can visit hospitals for further screenings and treatment. However, we can also plan on bringing in medical doctors at subsidised rate, so that they can benefit from such consultation.
“Like I said, this is the beginning, we have started well by bringing Emzor Pharmaceutical and Chike Okoli Foundation to our community for free check up. The next step depends on our budget, if we can afford to partner the Primary Health Centre or General Hospital, or other hospitals within our community, for them to treat the identify conditions in our people today”.
Participants who include children and adults expressed their deep appreciation to Emzor and Chike Okoli Foundation for the kind gestures they showed towards them.
Mrs Olusola Abimbola, appraised the initiative as a welcome development, as it enlightened them on their health status and lifestyle.
“We are grateful to the Foundation and Emzor pharmaceuticals for the support. We are hoping they will always remember us for good”.
Mrs Beatrice Balogun, also commended the organisers of the programme, as she prayed God for expansion of their organisation.
