South East: Foundation, 1Win partner on Free Diabetes, Hypertension Screening

Helpers Social Development Foundation (HSDF), in collaboration with global iGaming company, 1Win, has launched a free healthcare screening project across Enugu and Anambra States.

The initiative, which runs from November 30 to December 30, 2024, is to provide free health checks for 10,000 people in underserved communities within two local government areas in the states.

The outreach which is designed to improve access to critical healthcare, focuses on early detection and management of diabetes and hypertension, two major health conditions often ignored until severe.

Screening stations have been strategically set up in markets, churches, mosques, and town halls to make the program accessible to rural residents while participants receive free blood sugar and blood pressure tests, consultations with healthcare professionals, and medications for those with concerning results.

The Co-founder of HSDF, Chidi Okeke in an interview noted that, “Hypertension and diabetes are often overlooked because they don’t always present obvious symptoms. Yet, these conditions can lead to severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, or stroke. 

“This outreach is about saving lives, especially for those who don’t have the resources for regular medical check-ups.”

He added that the program has already revealed alarming cases. “During our screenings in Enugu North and Orumba South, we identified several people with dangerously high blood pressure or blood sugar levels who had no idea of their conditions. It’s frightening to think about what could have happened if these issues had gone undetected.

 “At Helpers Foundation, we believe everyone deserves access to healthcare, no matter their economic situation. This partnership with 1Win allows us to bring life-saving medical services to communities that are often neglected,” he emphasized.

Okeke urged more people to take advantage of the screenings while the programme is ongoing. “We’re calling on residents in Enugu and Anambra to come out and get screened. Your health is your greatest asset, and early detection can make all the difference,” he said.

A beneficiary, Nneka Agomuo, who attended the screening at Orumba South, expressed relief after learning about her health condition.

“I didn’t know my blood sugar was high until I came here. They explained everything to me and gave me free medicine to start managing it. I feel lucky because I wouldn’t have been able to afford these tests on my own,” she said.

On her part, Angela Onoh, who was screened in Enugu North, said that, “When they checked my blood pressure, they told me it was very high. I didn’t feel sick, so I was shocked. They gave me drugs and advice to help me control it. I’m grateful because I now know what to do to stay healthy,” Angela explained.

With screenings scheduled to continue until December 30, residents are encouraged to visit the nearest screening stations to receive free tests, medications, and expert advice.