In a bold move to tackle the rising cases of high blood pressure in Enugu North, the Domitila Foundation for Women Empowerment has declared war against hypertension with the distribution of 1,000 blood pressure monitors, drugs and other medical items to residents.
The outreach, held at the weekend at Urban Girls Secondary School, Nsukka, attracted over a thousand beneficiaries, mostly elderly persons, women and low-income earners who cannot afford regular medical check-ups.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Foundation, Miss Chidimma Domitila Ozioko, said the initiative was motivated by concern over increasing deaths from undetected and unmanaged hypertension in communities.
According to her, sudden deaths are often attributed to witchcraft and voodoo, whereas many are actually caused by neglect of basic health conditions like hypertension.
She thanked all partners and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event and disclosed that the Foundation plans to extend the programme to other parts of the state.
“High Blood Pressure is a silent killer. Many people are walking around without knowing they are hypertensive. Most times you see people slumping and dying in market places, schools and other public places without knowing the real cause. So, we decided to launch this war by taking prevention to the people, educating them, giving them the tools to check their BP regularly and access to basic drugs.
“We distributed 1,000 BP monitors and drugs. We also distributed sanitary pads sufficiently to last for six months to 100 indigent school girls. We equally provided free health services such as blood sugar tests, medical consultations with cardiologists, eye and vision services, dental services, nutrition and dietary counselling, health education and others,” she added.
In her remarks, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Onah Eberechukwu from Ihenowerre, Nsukka, expressed joy over the philanthropic gesture of the Founder, describing her as God-sent to save poor women and men in the society.
According to her, all attendees received medical attention ranging from eye treatment to dental care and other health services, noting that it was the first time such a comprehensive outreach was being organised in the area.
“Chidimma Ozioko is a person whom God has used to remember our people, especially those in need. I have never seen this kind of health outreach before. I received a BP monitor, drugs and other health services. Chidimma said she does not want our people to be dying from hypertension and other health-related issues. It is my prayer as a mother that she will live long to continue doing exploits,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mrs. Ojobo Amuche from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, said she saw the information on social media and decided to attend because of a severe toothache she had been battling.
According to her, her tooth was extracted free of charge, and she was also given drugs and a BP monitor.
“It is my pleasure to announce that I am one of the beneficiaries of today’s programme. I have been having a serious toothache and it was treated today with drugs given free of charge. All kinds of services were rendered here today courtesy of this Foundation. With the knowledge we have gained, we will always monitor our blood pressure and that of our neighbours. My prayer is that God will continue to provide for them to keep saving lives,” she said.
Also speaking, Miss Ugwuja Ogochukwu from Nru Nsukka commended the Foundation, describing the gesture as timely and life-saving.
“Before now, I did not usually smile because my teeth were badly arranged. Today, I can boldly smile and interact with people without feeling inferior. I came here with my younger sister and she also benefited from other health services. I can’t thank the Domitila Foundation for Women Empowerment enough for this show of humanity,” she said.
Health experts at the event sensitised residents on lifestyle modifications, including reduction of salt intake, regular exercise, avoidance of excessive alcohol and smoking, stress management and regular medical check-ups.
