Foundation Seeks FG Partnership To Expand Community Health Screening

The In Our Mind Foundation has called for partnership with the federal government to expand community-based health screening and improve referrals for people with potentially dangerous blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

The foundation said it had conducted community screening outreaches across 20 states, providing free blood pressure and blood glucose checks as part of efforts to promote early detection of health conditions.

Its founder, Iruoma Obiesie Onuko, also known as Nurse Angel, made the call on Tuesday at a press briefing, in Abuja.

Onuko, a United Kingdom-based senior mental health nurse, said the initiative took screening services to marketplaces, streets, schools, churches and other community settings to help people identify potential health concerns and seek appropriate care.

According to the foundation’s screening presentation, 48.74 per cent of participants fell into its high blood pressure category, while 5.74 per cent had low blood pressure readings.

The presentation also reported high blood glucose readings in 18.33 per cent of participants and low readings in 9.12 per cent.

The foundation described the figures as preliminary findings from its community screening activities.

It noted that screening results alone could not establish a diagnosis and that participants with concerning readings required appropriate clinical assessment.

Onuko said the foundation had supported participants with severely elevated blood pressure to access urgent hospital assessment, assisted with medical expenses where resources were available and provided follow-up support.

She said the organisation was seeking formal recognition as a community screening and referral partner working alongside established healthcare services.

The proposed partnership would involve federal and state health authorities, primary healthcare organisations and relevant clinical institutions.

Under the proposal, the partners would agree on outreach responsibilities, clinical oversight, staff training, screening standards, referral pathways, follow-up arrangements and joint evaluation.

The foundation also proposed a 12-month programme to strengthen existing outreach activities and expand them in line with the capacity of participating teams and healthcare facilities.

It said monitoring would cover participation, valid screening checks, referrals, completed clinical assessments and follow-up.

The World Health Organisation estimates that 19.8 million people died from cardiovascular diseases globally in 2022, making them the leading cause of death worldwide.

Hypertension can occur without obvious symptoms and, if uncontrolled, increases the risk of serious complications, including heart disease and stroke.

The foundation said its wider network had a presence across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, providing a platform for further community engagement.

It called on government agencies, healthcare institutions, universities, professional organisations and international health partners to support the initiative through technical collaboration, training and other assistance.