Lagos ALPs takes health awareness, screening to Ikeja community

pharmacy

– Conducts free HIV, blood sugar, BP, cholesterol tests

Keeping to the popular saying that prevention is better than cure, the Association of Lady Pharmacists (ALPs), Lagos State Chapter, recently held a health awareness campaign and free screening programme for residents of Ikeja and its environs.

Proudly supported by LiveWell Initiative (LWI), a self-sustaining health-promotion and empowerment organisation and the Ikeja Local Government  Council, the two-day programme was organised to mark the commencement of the 12th Biennial National Conference of ALPs.

The event, which featured a health awareness walk beginning at the main gate of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), and ending at the main hall of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, offered opportunity for  many people to access free health counselling and screening on HIV, blood sugar, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol, among others

According to Pharm. Modupe Ologunagba, chairperson, ALPs-Lagos, the programme was organised as a part of the association’s contribution to improvement in public health.

“Health screening is important because Nigeria is undergoing epidemiological disease transition and we found out that a lot of people are coming down with chronic disease conditions and health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes and other silent killer diseases…this awareness is very important and we are happy we have done it,” Ologunagba said.

Explaining further, the ALPs boss noted that regular health exams and tests can help detect health problems before they become complicated and sometimes untreatable.

“By getting the right health services, screenings, and treatments, you are taking steps that help your chances for living a longer, healthier life. Your age, health and family history, lifestyle choices, what you eat, how active you are, whether you smoke, and other important factors impact what and how often you need health care,” she advised

While addressing the people of Ikeja community in the course of the screening exercise, Dr (Mrs) Moyosore Adejumo, director of pharmaceutical services (DPS), Lagos State Ministry of Health, urged the people to consider their health first in everything they do, adding that looking healthy is not always an indication that one is free from diseases.

Speaking further, the Lagos DPS who declared the screening session open, commended the Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode for his laudable role in prioritising security of lives and properties, as well as ensuring that there is conducive business environment for people of the state to operate in.

In his goodwill message, chairman of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Lagos State, Pharm. Gbenga Olubowale, who was represented by Pharm. (Mrs) Abiola Paul-Ozieh, chairman, Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Lagos State, expressed the delight of Lagos PSN at the activities of ALPs in the state, noting that regular health screening is essential to good health and health care.

“Health screening incorporates several tests, including preventative screenings and physical examinations to check patients’ current health and risks, and if any problems are found, the health care provider will provide information on treatment plans and ways that you can prevent health issues in the future,” she said.

While thanking ALPs for the beneficial initiave, one of the participants, Mr Gbenga Akemoloju, a staff of Ikeja Local Government Council, said he was delighted that an association like ALPs could come to their community with such a laudable programme.

He also expressed his relief at finally knowing his health status, while promising that he was going to inform as many people as possible to come for their health screening as well.

Another participant, Mr Awolesi Muyiwa, from Onigbongbo LCDA, thanked the organisers of the programme for giving him the opportunity to know his health status and the need for him to remain healthy.

Other dignitaries at the event were Pharm. (Mrs) Margret Obono; Pharm. (Mrs) Yetunde Morohundiya, former national chairperson, ALPs; Pharm. (Mrs) Bisi Bright, vice-president, LWI; Pharm. Hafsat Adeshina, CPC chairman, Eko 2016; Assistant Corp Commander Olawale Odekunle, FRSC, Ikeja Area Command; and Executive Secretary, Ikeja Local Government Council, Hon. Dally Adeokun, among others.