…Initiative Provides Free Health Screenings, Medical Consultations, Medications, Urges Early Detection and Stroke Prevention
Ubuntu Stroke 360, in collaboration with The Whole Armour of God Church, has organised a free medical outreach in Ibadan to commemorate World Stroke Day, raising awareness about stroke prevention and other non-communicable diseases.
The outreach featured free health screenings, medical consultations, medications and health education, with particular emphasis on stroke prevention, diabetes, hypertension and oral hygiene.
Participants benefited from blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol tests, chest X-rays, as well as professional medical advice aimed at promoting early detection, timely intervention and effective management of health conditions.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oluwakayode Oyeniyi emphasised the relationship between general health and oral hygiene, identifying family history, unhealthy dietary habits, excessive alcohol consumption and high salt intake as risk factors associated with diabetes and hypertension.
He urged members of the public to adopt proper oral hygiene practices, particularly brushing their teeth twice daily, to prevent plaque accumulation, tooth decay and other dental problems.
The medical expert stressed that maintaining good oral health should be an integral part of overall healthcare, encouraging individuals to develop healthy habits that would help prevent avoidable medical complications.
Also speaking, Dr Margaret Allen-Taylor, a Senior Resident Neurologist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, described stroke as a medical emergency requiring immediate medical attention to minimise complications and improve the chances of recovery.
She identified hypertension, diabetes, abnormal cholesterol levels and underlying heart conditions as major risk factors for stroke, adding that physical inactivity and unhealthy dietary habits could further increase an individual’s vulnerability.
Dr Allen-Taylor educated participants on the *BE FAST* approach to recognising stroke symptoms, explaining the warning signs as *Balance problems, Eye or vision changes, Facial drooping, Arm weakness and Speech difficulties*, with the letter ‘T’ underscoring the need to act swiftly and seek emergency medical treatment.
She emphasised that stroke symptoms should never be ignored or treated as an ordinary health complaint, urging members of the public to seek immediate medical assistance whenever stroke is suspected.
The convener of the outreach, Pastor Felicia Bamidele-Sholeye, explained that the initiative was inspired by her commitment to making essential healthcare services accessible to people who might otherwise struggle to afford them.
According to her, the medical outreach has become an annual tradition through which she commemorates her birthday by extending healthcare support to people in need.
She noted that the initiative reflects the importance of compassion, community service and practical interventions in improving the health and well-being of vulnerable members of society.
Providing further insight into the programme’s history, Mrs Titilayo Sholeye-Akintola, one of the convener’s children, disclosed that the initiative had been sustained for more than 25 years, predating the establishment of The Whole Armour of God Church.
She explained that the programme was established to promote health awareness, encourage early disease detection and provide free medical consultations, health screenings and medications where appropriate.
She added that sustaining the initiative over the years had enabled the organisers to reach people with essential health information and services, particularly those who might face financial barriers to accessing medical care.
The organisers urged members of the public to prioritise regular medical check-ups, embrace healthier lifestyles and seek prompt medical attention whenever unusual symptoms occur.
They also stressed the importance of controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, eating balanced diets and engaging in regular physical activity as essential measures for reducing the risk of stroke and other non-communicable diseases.
The organisers expressed optimism that sustained public health education, preventive medical interventions and improved access to affordable healthcare would help reduce preventable illnesses and complications associated with stroke and other non-communicable diseases.
The outreach underscored the importance of collaboration between healthcare advocates, religious organisations and community stakeholders in promoting preventive healthcare and improving access to essential medical services.
*World Stroke Day serves as an important reminder that greater public awareness, early recognition of symptoms and timely medical intervention can help save lives and reduce the devastating consequences of stroke.*
Ubuntu Stroke 360, Whole Armour of God Church Offer Free Medical Outreach in Ibadan to Mark World Stroke Day
