Obasanjo Foundation to screen 10m for diabetes

As part of activities to mark World Diabetes Day, the Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation (OOF) has flagged off a free diabetes screening campaign for 10 million Nigerians across the country.

The diabetes screening campaign team is expected to move from state to state for the next 12 months screening Nigerians for diabetes free of charge and also offering advice to those who test positive for the disease.

Founder/Chairman, Board of Trustees, OOF, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who spoke at the ceremony held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library Complex, Abeokuta, Ogun State, expressed delight at the commencement of the campaign.

He stated that there is no better way to mark this year’s World Diabetes Day than to lend a helping hand to those suffering from the disease.

Obasanjo, who was represented by his wife, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, said: “Being a diabetic patient myself for many years, I understand the pains and challenges people suffering from the disease are faced with on a daily basis. That is why we have thought it wise to launch this campaign to ameliorate the sufferings of an average Nigerian who cannot access the basic health need to manage the disease.”

Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who represented the governor, Dapo Abiodun, commended the foundation for coming up with such a human-centric initiative designed to impact the lives of people positively.

She said: “We, as a government, will be willing to partner with the foundation to drive some of its health-related programmes for the betterment of the people.”

Also, Chief Executive Officer, OOF, Dr. Olalekan Makinde, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that non-communicable diseases are given adequate attention.

He said: “We at Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation are delighted to be at the forefront of this campaign, which we strongly believe would have a significant impact on the life of people suffering from diabetes.”