In commemoration of World Diabetes Day 2024, Somolu General Hospital in Lagos organized a free medical outreach to promote diabetes awareness and encourage healthy living. The event, held on Thursday, offered complimentary screenings, medical consultations, and educational sessions to help residents understand the importance of managing and preventing diabetes.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 463 million people worldwide live with diabetes, with Nigeria accounting for over 3.5 million cases. In a bid to reduce this number, the hospital’s Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mustapha Quadri, advised Lagosians to adopt healthy diets and monitor key health metrics to reduce their risk of diabetes.
Quadri emphasized that knowing one’s health numbers is crucial in lowering the risk of diabetes. He noted that individuals with hypertension should seek medical care, as many unknowingly live with diabetes mellitus. The condition, he stressed, is manageable and not a death sentence if properly handled.
The outreach featured talks by healthcare professionals, including Samiat Sunmola, Aderinsola Adesida, Pharmacist Ayomide Adeshina, and Medical Laboratory Scientist Ademola Adeogun. They highlighted the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise for diabetes management. Other experts, such as dietitian Funmilola Adewunmi and social worker Abimbola Oludare Dixon, encouraged attendees to adhere to prescribed medication routines.
The event included free screenings for diabetes, blood sugar, blood pressure, and HIV, as well as free medications and wellness lectures. This year’s World Diabetes Day theme, “Diabetes and Well-being,” aligns with the hospital’s mission to support the health of the Somolu community through preventive care and education. Notable attendees included Alhaji Moshood Olobi and the Iyaloja General of Somolu Market, Modupeola Olufojude.
By organizing this outreach, Somolu General Hospital demonstrated its commitment to promoting diabetes awareness and supporting the well-being of the community. The event served as a reminder of the importance of proactive health management and the need for individuals to take charge of their health.
