The Lift Above Poverty Organization (LAPO) says it has extended its free health services to 212, 020 persons in different communities in the country from January to June, 2021.
Dr Honestus Obadiora, Executive Director of LAPO said this in a statement issued by James-Wisdom Abhulimen, Head, Advocacy and Communications of the organisation in Benin, on Tuesday.
Obadiora said that no fewer than 21, 908, 509 community dwellers were also reached with information, education and communication materials by LAPO community health workers in the period under review.
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He said the beneficiaries were sensitised on safe maternal and child health practices with key focus on antenatal care, nutrition, family planning, water, sanitation and hygiene.
“They were equally screened for health issues such as blood pressure, hepatitis, malaria and blood sugar, towards improving their general wellbeing and health conditions”, he added.
He, however, expressed worry that a high percentage of community members in Nigeria, especially women, were vulnerable to illnesses, disabilities and even death, due to lack of access to comprehensive health services.
The Executive Director said that such a situation had made the country one of the highest in maternal mortality rates amongst developing nations.
The involvement and support of all stakeholders in health awareness creation and provision of medical facilities would change the narratives of high maternal mortality in Nigeria, Obadiora said.
He counselled members of the public to imbibe the culture of regular medical check up to facilitate early detection and management of health conditions.
The LAPO executive director added that routine health screening and awareness creation by the organisation had contributed significantly to the wellbeing of community members. (NAN)