Kaduna Residents Benefit From SFH’s Preventive Healthcare Programme

In commemoration of the 2026 International Self-Care Day, the Society for Family Health (SFH), through its Delivering Innovation in Self-Care (DISC) programme, partnered with the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (KSPHCB), to provide free preventive healthcare services to some residents.

The community outreach, held at Kano Road Market area in Kaduna, was organised under the global theme, “Test, Track and Thrive,” which promotes routine health screening, regular health monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices as essential steps toward preventing disease and improving well-being.

The outreach reached many residents, including 60 persons with disabilities, demonstrating the programme’s commitment to ensuring inclusive access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.

As part of the outreach, healthcare workers provided 345 blood pressure screenings, 56 blood glucose tests, 100 malaria tests, 15 pregnancy tests, 35 family planning counselling and service sessions, 50 referrals for clients requiring further medical evaluation and treatment, as well as other services.

Participants also received health education on self-care practices, healthy nutrition, disease prevention, maternal and child health, and the importance of seeking timely healthcare.

Speaking during the event, Special Quality Advisor at SFH Nigeria, Dorcas Yemi Danladi, said the initiative was designed to remove barriers to preventive healthcare by taking essential services directly to the community.

“This year’s theme, ‘Test, Track and Thrive,’ reminds us that good health begins with knowing our health status. Regular health screening helps detect conditions such as hypertension and diabetes early, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows people to seek timely care and avoid preventable complications.

“Many people, especially traders and daily wage earners, often struggle to find time to visit health facilities. By bringing healthcare services directly to the community, we are making it easier for people to know their health status, receive appropriate counselling, and access referrals where necessary.”

She noted that self-care extends beyond treating illness and includes adopting healthy lifestyles, taking prescribed medications correctly, attending routine health checks, and making informed health decisions.

Danladi also reaffirmed SFH’s commitment to supporting Kaduna State in strengthening self-care interventions and expanding access to quality primary healthcare services.

Representing the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Ibrahim Hashim, speaking on behalf of the State Reproductive Health Coordinator, commended the initiative and encouraged continued collaboration between government and development partners to expand community-based health interventions across the state.

“Preventive healthcare is one of the most effective ways to reduce illness and improve health outcomes. We encourage residents to make routine medical check-ups a habit and to seek care from accredited health facilities whenever they have health concerns.”

He added that partnerships such as the DISC programme complement the Kaduna State Government’s efforts to strengthen primary healthcare and improve access to quality services.

Also speaking, one of the Ward Heads of the Kano Road community, Mohammed Lawal, described the outreach as timely and beneficial to residents.

“We appreciate SFH, the Kaduna State Government, and all the partners for bringing these services closer to our people. This programme has given many residents the opportunity to know their health status and receive professional advice. We encourage everyone to continue practising self-care and to visit health facilities regularly.”