Pfizer, LUTH hold free screening for host communities in Lagos

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, has held a free health screening for residents of Idi-Araba and Mushin, and other members of its immediate host communities. It was in collaboration with Pfizer Nigeria East Africa Region (Pfizer NEAR)as part of their anniversaries. Pfitzer is 55, LUTH 50. The residents were screened for cardiovascular diseases, glaucoma, among others. The events, which ran simultaneously were held at Idi-Araba Motor Park and Ojuwoye Market, Mushin. They saw specialists and other healthcare givers from various departments of LUTH attending to many people at the two places. Also, there were lectures by experts on HIV awareness, the correct use of male and female condoms, dangers associated with cholesterol, high sugar in the blood/diabetes and high blood pressure (BP). Speaking on Pfizer’s involvement, the Country Manager, Pfizer (NEAR), Enrico Liggeri, said the company was motivated to work closely with the communities because Pfizer was part of the Nigerian community which has been supportive since its existence. “For LUTH, it has been serving the people for 50 years and in giving back to the community we decided to celebrate our 55 years anniversary, which falls at the same time the hospital is celebrating theirs by providing these free screening opportunities for the communities in order to contribute positively to their health. “This is important because Nigeria has been said to have a high rate of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, some of whom do not know they suffer from it or know little or nothing about same. The first step to managing such is to go for screening, which most people have little or no time for until the disease starts showing signs.” Describing glaucoma as the number one cause of blindness, Luggeri said Pfizer has donated an equipment that can help detect this ailment, as well as, high blood pressure, which are silent killers owing to the fact that they ‘hide’ in the body for years and start showing signs when they have reached the peak period. “Hence, providing screening facilities and access of same by beneficiaries are the major steps in staying healthy,” said Erico. The Public Relations Officer, LUTH, Hope Nwawolo, said about 50 patients diagnosed to have problems in each category, would be given a tally for follow-up at the hospital. This, she said, is significant to the number of years being celebrated by the tertiary hospital. Expressing gratitude, the Seriki of Idi-Araba, Idris Lawal, who was represented by the Galadima of Idi-Araba, Abdul-Ganiu Lawal, thanked LUTH and Pfizer for their support to the community and for mobilising residents to benefit from such health care service which most of them have no time for or could hardly afford. He said: “We look forward to a good working relationship with the hospital and Pfizer in the nearest future.”