Foundation Provides Free Hypertension Screening for Over 100 Widows
More than 100 widows recently received free medical screening and treatment during a health outreach organised by the Rose of Sharon Foundation in Lagos.
The outreach, which forms part of the foundation’s annual health intervention programme, focused on detecting and managing hypertension and other chronic conditions among widows and their children under the organisation’s care. Beneficiaries received consultations, laboratory tests, medications, and physiotherapy support from volunteer healthcare professionals.
Medical experts at the event warned about the increasing burden of hypertension and other non-communicable diseases in Nigeria, stressing that early detection and routine health checks remain critical for preventing severe complications.
Speaking during the outreach, public health practitioner Aina Ogunshola explained that many of the women screened were unaware that they had underlying health conditions before the medical checks were conducted. According to him, hypertension was the most common condition detected among participants, while a smaller number of cases involved diabetes.
He described hypertension as a “silent illness” because it often develops without obvious symptoms until it progresses to more serious health problems. When left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to life-threatening complications such as stroke, heart disease, kidney damage, and vision impairment.
Ogunshola noted that several participants also reported other health concerns, including joint and waist pain associated with osteoarthritis, ear infections, abdominal discomfort, and vision challenges. Some of these cases were referred for further medical evaluation and follow-up care.
He encouraged the widows to make preventive health practices part of their daily routine, emphasising the importance of regularly checking blood pressure and blood sugar levels. He advised that individuals who do not own monitoring devices can visit nearby pharmacies or health centres to carry out simple health checks and keep records of their results for medical consultations.
The physician also highlighted the importance of enrolling in health insurance schemes to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. According to him, health insurance allows individuals to contribute small amounts toward a shared pool that covers healthcare costs when illness occurs, helping families avoid financial hardship during medical emergencies.
The outreach reflects the continued efforts of the Rose of Sharon Foundation to support widows not only economically but also through healthcare interventions that address their wellbeing. Beyond financial empowerment programmes, the foundation regularly organises health initiatives aimed at improving access to medical care for vulnerable women.
Participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that many widows face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services due to financial constraints. The free screening programme provided an opportunity for early diagnosis and treatment, potentially preventing serious complications associated with untreated hypertension.
Health experts at the event reiterated that preventive healthcare and community-based screenings remain essential strategies for addressing the growing challenge of chronic diseases in Nigeria. By expanding such initiatives to vulnerable populations, organisations and healthcare professionals hope to promote healthier lifestyles and improve long-term health outcomes for women across the country.
