The Onome Omobolaji Obada Foundation (OOF), ProHealth International, and the Christ Livingspring Apostolic Ministry (CLAM) joined forces to address a critical healthcare challenge in Nigeria: the pervasive neglect of preventive medicine. Through a collaborative one-week free medical outreach program held at CLAM Soteria Maternity and Hospital in Omole, Lagos, the organizations provided vital healthcare services to over 5,000 residents, highlighting the urgent need for a shift in healthcare priorities from reactive treatment to proactive prevention. This initiative aimed to not only provide immediate medical relief but also to instill a culture of preventative healthcare, thereby reducing the burden of avoidable illnesses and deaths.
The outreach, a testament to the power of collaboration, offered a comprehensive suite of medical services, including general consultations, surgeries (including eye and dental procedures), counseling, and medication distribution, all free of charge. This comprehensive approach addressed a range of health issues, revealing the extent to which many individuals postpone seeking medical attention until conditions escalate. Cases of untreated hernias lasting a decade, severe fibroid growths, and other advanced conditions underscored the dire consequences of neglecting regular checkups and early intervention. This outreach served as a stark reminder of the accessibility gap in healthcare and the crucial role of preventative care.
The partners involved emphasized the critical importance of preventive healthcare. Omolade Olatawura, a director at OOF, highlighted the alarming trend of individuals delaying medical attention for years, leading to the exacerbation of health problems. She stressed that OOF’s mission is to bridge the healthcare access gap and foster a preventive medical culture nationwide. This outreach, the fourth in two years, demonstrates OOF’s commitment to reaching both rural and urban communities, including Delta, Warri, and Lagos, reflecting their understanding of the widespread need. The underlying message is that preventative care is significantly more cost-effective and beneficial in the long run than treating advanced illnesses.
Dr. Lisa Olobio-Oke of ProHealth International echoed the concerns about Nigerians’ reluctance to prioritize routine health checks. She pointed out the prevailing culture of neglect, particularly in fast-paced urban environments like Lagos, where individuals often prioritize work over their well-being. This neglect often leads to serious health complications down the line. Dr. Olobio-Oke explained that ProHealth, a non-profit focused on improving health access, actively conducts similar outreach programs across the country, partnering with organizations like OOF to extend healthcare services to underserved communities. Their recent outreach in Ife, Osun State, just prior to the Lagos event, further illustrates their dedication to expanding access to vital medical care.
The impact of the Lagos outreach was profound, with over 5,000 individuals benefiting from various services, including eye surgeries, dental care, major and minor operations, and general treatments. The staggering number of cases attended to in just five days highlighted the significant unmet need for affordable healthcare within the community. This underscored the critical need for continued and expanded initiatives to bridge the gap in healthcare access and promote preventive measures. The success of this outreach serves as a compelling case for further collaboration among NGOs and other partners to replicate this model across the country, ensuring more Nigerians have access to essential medical services.
Pastor Wole Oladiyun of CLAM, the host organization, emphasized the church’s commitment to holistic human development, extending beyond spiritual guidance to include physical and social well-being. He cited CLAM’s history of community support, including distributing palliatives during the COVID-19 pandemic and allocating significant funds annually for welfare programs supporting various ministries, NGOs, and individuals. Pastor Oladiyun commended the collaboration with OOF and ProHealth, recognizing the importance of such partnerships in addressing critical national needs. He further reinforced the message of preventative care, urging Nigerians to adopt healthy habits like regular checkups, balanced diets, exercise, and adequate rest, emphasizing that prevention is not just financially prudent but can also save lives. The collaborative effort of these three organizations stands as a powerful example of how partnerships can effectively address pressing societal challenges and improve the lives of thousands.
