By JKNewsMedia
VARIOUS HEALTH services have been provided to vulnerable communities across Southwest Nigeria.
This was at the behest of a group of Nigerian nurses based in the United States of America (USA) under the aegis of Yoruba Nurses of North America (YORNNA).
Penultimate week, they set their sights on Lagos for their 2024 Community Health Mission, aiming to provide vital health services for free.
This initiative addresses critical healthcare challenges facing the Yoruba people, particularly those with limited access to basic medical care.
During YORNNA’s recently held Health Outreach Information Session and Fundraiser, Chief Guest of Honour, Professor Funsho Famuyiwa, emphasized the group’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery through a community-driven approach.
Building on the insights shared during the 2022 Apero N’Ile L’Oko Yoruba forum, YORNNA’s mission seeks immediate action to address healthcare disparities.
A comprehensive 400-page report, released in May 2023 by the Apero forum, identified gaps in healthcare access, poor health education, and the lack of community participation as key challenges.
YORNNA said its mission in Lagos was designed to tackle these pressing issues.
In a statement by Prof. Modupeola Aka-Bashorun Adebayo, Chairwoman of YORNNA’s Board of Trustees, the Nigerian health system faces significant hurdles.
These include poor health literacy, high costs for patients, and an overreliance on tertiary healthcare facilities at the expense of primary care.
That’s why YORNNA’s mission aims to fill these gaps by promoting health equity, fostering partnerships with local organizations, and encouraging active participation from the community.
She said the initiative targets various locations, including schools, markets, motor parks, worship centers, and local associations, to raise awareness about preventive healthcare, nutrition, physical activity, immunization, and regular checkups.
Professor Famuyiwa also stressed the importance of instilling healthy habits in communities to prevent long-term health issues.
On Calls for Collective Action
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana, called for a more inclusive approach to the health mission during his keynote address.
He stressed that individuals engaged in harmful practices, such as self-medication and substance abuse, should be the focus of intervention.
Falana also encouraged collaboration between healthcare professionals from North America and other Yoruba professionals in countries such as Brazil, Canada, and England.
YORNNA adds that its cross-continental collaboration further aims to strengthen healthcare systems for Yoruba communities, both in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
