The MOMO Youth Health Initiative (MOMO-YHI) and the Goldlake Foundation have partnered to organize a free health outreach in Lagos, titled "Know Your Numbers, Save Your Life." This community-focused campaign aims to promote early detection and health literacy among residents, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular health, diabetes prevention, and general wellness. The initiative is a strategic collaboration between Goldlake Foundation, founded by filmmaker and creative director Bolaji Hannah Oladiji, and MOMO-YHI, established by Saka Opeoluwa Evidence, Anataku Ameerah Oyinyi, and Niniola Qudus Mayowa.
The outreach program commenced with a community health walk, which engaged residents and raised awareness about preventive health. Participants then proceeded to structured stations that provided registration, Body Mass Index (BMI) assessments, blood pressure checks, random blood glucose tests, medical consultations, and pharmacy support. The medical team also conducted asthma-related interventions, providing inhaler usage demonstrations and free rescue inhalers to eligible participants. High-risk individuals received immediate referrals and personalized health counseling covering hypertension, diabetes, nutrition, stress management, and routine checks.
Youth engagement played a vital role in the exercise, with MOMO-YHI deploying a clinical and field volunteer team tasked with health screenings, clinical evaluations, and participant guidance. Their efforts effectively converted youth advocacy into a direct, practical health intervention. Community leaders also contributed significantly to the event's success, driving awareness through local WhatsApp platforms and encouraging widespread participation, particularly among seniors.
The organizers commended the leadership of the L.S.D.P.C. Alaka Estate Community Association for providing logistical support and ensuring a smooth, organized environment for the exercise. The partnership aims to develop data-driven public health programs, longitudinal health tracking, and sustained interventions across Lagos State. By transitioning from one-day outreach events to long-term monitoring, both organizations hope to lower the burden of manageable chronic conditions in underserved populations.
For Bolaji Hannah Oladiji, the outreach marks a deeply personal chapter in her journey. As a professional caregiver for her grandmother, she experienced firsthand the unique challenges facing older adults, prompting a question that shaped her life's work: "Who will care for me when I grow old?" Through the Goldlake Foundation, Oladiji has bridged creative storytelling and humanitarian care to support vulnerable and elderly community members.
The "Know Your Numbers" outreach demonstrates the power of community-led partnerships in expanding access to essential care. By uniting healthcare professionals, youth leaders, and humanitarian organizations, the initiative offers Lagos residents a vital reminder: understanding your health metrics today can save your life tomorrow. The partnership ultimately seeks to make a lasting impact on the community by promoting preventive healthcare and encouraging residents to take charge of their well-being.
The success of the outreach program highlights the importance of collaboration and community engagement in addressing pressing healthcare needs. As the Goldlake Foundation and MOMO-YHI continue to work together, they aim to create a sustainable impact on the health and well-being of Lagos residents, particularly in underserved communities. The initiative serves as a model for future community-led health outreach programs, showcasing the potential for collective action to drive positive change.
Key points
- The partnership between Goldlake Foundation and MOMO-YHI provides free health outreach services to Lagos residents, focusing on cardiovascular health, diabetes prevention, and general wellness.
- The initiative aims to develop data-driven public health programs and sustained interventions across Lagos State to lower the burden of manageable chronic conditions.
- The outreach program demonstrates the power of community-led partnerships in expanding access to essential care and promoting preventive healthcare among residents.
