Why l Want To Improve Elderly Heart Health – Dr. Elohor Oborevwori

Dr. Elohor Oborevwori, is a Director at You Matter Charity Foundation. In this interview with, FELIX lGBEKOYI, the Johns Hopkins cardiovascular health researcher, discussed a recent medical outreach initiative that provided free cardiovascular screenings to over 250 elderly residents in Delta state, addressed critical gaps in preventive healthcare access for underserved populations, brought comprehensive cardiovascular assessments directly to older adults who rarely receive routine medical care and assured commitment to translating global cardiovascular research into practical, community-based action.

Tell us about your professional background? 

I am Dr. Elohor Oborevwori, a Research Program Coordinator at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, United States of America.

What motivated your current research focus on cardiovascular health in Nigeria?

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in sub-Saharan Africa, yet many elderly Nigerians have never had their blood pressure checked or received cardiovascular risk assessments. We aimed to bring evidence-based screening and health education directly to the communities that need it most.

Can you describe a community health initiative you were involved in and the impact it had on participants?

The programme offered blood pressure monitoring, cardiovascular risk assessments, cholesterol screening, and health education focused on preventing hypertension and heart disease. According to World Health Organization data, hypertension affects 30–40 per cent of Nigerian adults, yet many remain undiagnosed, making early detection crucial. During the outreach, many participants learned their cardiovascular health status for the first time and received guidance on disease prevention and management. Working with Dr. Ejiro Orhewere, head of the medical outreach team, we identified several cases of previously undiagnosed hypertension and provided immediate referrals for follow-up care. This initiative potentially prevented future cardiovascular complications for dozens of elderly residents who might otherwise have gone without screening.

How has your research experience informed your work in community health initiatives?

As a research programme coordinator at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, this outreach allowed me to connect directly with my community. My research focuses on cardiovascular health equity, and I coordinate several studies, including the ADHINCRA study, a stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial on hypertension control in Ghana and Nigeria-the CROWN study, which evaluates salon-based cardiovascular interventions, and the THRIVE study, which examines food-as-medicine approaches for hypertension management. This outreach provided a meaningful opportunity to apply evidence-based interventions directly to underserved communities in my home state.

Did you address any specific health disparities? 

Women’s cardiovascular symptoms are frequently underrecognized in clinical practice. We made sure to educate women about their specific cardiovascular risks and encouraged them to advocate for comprehensive screening during routine medical visits.

What are your plans to expand community outreach and education around cardiovascular health?

We are planning additional outreach programmes before the end of 2026. Our goal is to ensure that communities understand their cardiovascular health status and have the knowledge to make informed decisions about disease prevention and management.

How has your collaboration with the “You Matter Charity Foundation” contributed to advancing equitable and preventive healthcare delivery in Delta State?

The ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’ has provided me with a significant platform to lead multiple community health initiatives across Delta State, including breastfeeding awareness, menstrual health programs, and disability care services, with a focus on healthcare access for marginalized populations, including children with autism and special needs. Through this recent outreach, we improved early detection and prevention among the elderly while also setting a model for sustainable, equity-focused healthcare delivery in Delta State. As preventive care remains a critical challenge in Nigeria’s health system, collaborations such as this highlight the power of combining scientific expertise with grassroots engagement to save lives and strengthen community health outcomes.