Lions Clubs Round Off World Diabetes Day

… Discover Scores of Diabetic Patients, Counseled

… As Staff, Beneficiaries Express Joy and Appreciation

In continuation of World Diabetes Day activities which lions of District 404A2 Nigeria engaged in a massive roadshow in many major cities in Nigeria on Saturday 13th November 2021 to create awareness, the District Governor of Lions District 404A2 Nigeria, Lion Lynda Odu-Okpeseyi flagged off Free Blood Sugar Screening, Diabetes Risk Assessment and Free Blood Pressure checks in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday 15th November 2021.

She expressed appreciation to all lions and the general public for the success of the Road Show on Saturday and called on all hands to be on deck as lions commence the screening exercise simultaneously at 52 Primary Health Centres located in various regions across the country.

Replicating the exercise in Akwa Ibom State, the District Diabetes Coordinator for Region 8, Lion Dr. Ibiok Usendiah, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon/ Head of Department of Accident and Emergency, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital and the Region 8 Chairperson, Lion Unwana Akpan mobilized lions to carry out the exercise simultaneously at 6 designated health centres in the State. The event continued for about five days at different health centres depending on patients turn out as primary health centre staff who were previously trained by lions club to ensure seamless operations throughout the week.

Medical Doctors were drafted from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital to offer health talks about Diabetes and hypertension, counseling and consultations for the people screened and found to be diabetic and hypertensive as well as those that have a high risk of developing the ailment at various health centres during the exercise. Lions Clubs within the Region were assigned to anchor the exercise at different health centres with club Coordinators taking charge of events.

The Primary Health Centres used included the Maternal and Child Health Centre, Wellington Bassey Way, Uyo, anchored by Uyo Diamond Lions Club and coordinated by Lion Iniabasi Akpatim While Dr. Mfon Ekwere, a Consultant Physician attended to the people.

At PHC, Western Itam, ITU, Ibiono Ibom Royal Lions Club carried out the exercise coordinated by the President, Lion Pius Ebuh while Dr. Blessing Ubani, a Consultant Endocrinologist and Dr. Peter offered clinical services. PHC Uruan st, Uyo was anchored by Uyo Metropolitan Lions Club, Coordinated by the President, Lion Uwemedimo Ekanem while Dr. Tiemah Akpabio, a Consultant Physician offered clinical services.

At PHC, Mbak, ITU LGA, Uyo Shelter Afrique Lions Club took charge, coordinated by Lion Justman Justine while Dr. Emmanuel Akpan consulted. PHC Nsehe in Ukanafun LGA played host to Uyo Lions, coordinated by the Region Chairperson, Lion Unwana Akpan with Dr. Ibiok Usendiah consulting. Lions of Uyo Oriental Lions Club coordinated by Lion Ifiok Vincent took the exercise to Primary Health Centre, Ndon Ebom in Uruan LGA.

At the end of the exercise, some screening materials were donated to the health centres including Glucometers and Blood pressure apparatuses. The staff of the health centres and patients expressed their appreciation to the International Association of Lions Clubs for this good gesture and looked forward to a repeat of the experience. Several new cases of Diabetes and hypertension were discovered during the exercise and they were duly counseled by the attending Doctors.