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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Domitila Foundation for Women Empowerment has distributed 1,000 blood pressure (BP) monitors, drugs, and other medical supplies to residents of Nsukka, Enugu State.
The intervention, according to the group, is part of its efforts to combat hypertension and prevent avoidable deaths. The health outreach, held at the Urban Girls Secondary School, Nsukka, attracted more than 1,000 beneficiaries, including elderly persons, women, and low-income earners who often struggle to access regular medical care.
The foundation also provided free blood sugar tests, medical consultations, eye and dental services, nutrition counselling and health education. In addition, 100 indigent schoolgirls received sanitary pads intended to last six months.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Chidimma Domitila Ozioko, said the initiative was driven by concern over deaths linked to undetected and poorly managed hypertension. She noted that some sudden deaths were attributed to witchcraft and voodoo when underlying health conditions could be responsible.
“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 marketplaces, 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,” she said.
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Ozioko thanked the foundation’s partners and volunteers for supporting the programme, adding that plans were underway to extend the outreach to other parts of the state. One of the beneficiaries, Eberechukwu Onah from Ihenowerre, Nsukka, commended the foundation for bringing comprehensive healthcare services closer to residents, particularly the poor.
“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,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Amuche Ojobo, from Enugu-Ezike in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, said she attended the programme after seeing an announcement on social media, hoping to find relief from a severe toothache. She said her tooth was extracted free of charge, and that she also received drugs and a BP monitor.
“With the knowledge we have gained, we will always monitor our blood pressure and that of our neighbours,” she said.
Also, Ogochukwu Ugwuja from Nru, Nsukka, praised the foundation for providing dental care that had boosted her confidence.
“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,” she said.
Health experts at the outreach advised residents to reduce salt intake, exercise regularly, avoid excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, manage stress and undergo regular medical check-ups to reduce the risk of hypertension and its complications.
