2024 HEALTH & FOOD MATTERS; AN INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS HUNGER AND HEALTH

OBJECTIVES:

-To improve access to quality healthcare services.

-To enhance health education and awareness.

-To foster healthy behaviours and lifestyle choices.

-To increase access to nutritious and affordable food.

AIM:

-To improve the overall health and well-being of underprivileged adults.

-To provide medical services, medications, and food packs to 100 less privileged adults.

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Aged and underprivileged

INTRODUCTION:

According to statistics, one in 20 people worldwide (4.3%) had no health problems in 2013, while a third of the global population (2.3 billion individuals) experienced more than five ailments, as reported by the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2013 published in The Lancet. This data highlights that every individual may face one or two health issues requiring treatment. Unfortunately, people in underserved communities often lack access to quality health services. This gap motivated the Anwojue Hope Foundation to launch the Health and Food Matters program in 2022, which is conducted biannually.

This year’s Health and Food Matters event took place in Ijebu Imushin, a community in the Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State, on September 24, 2024. The program commenced at 11:40 AM with an opening remark from the project manager, Mrs. Busayo Soyebo, who encouraged participants to view the program as an opportunity to prioritize their health.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE:

The program was divided into three segments:

1.Edutainment Stage:
– Volunteer Tobiloba Ogundele spoke on exercises recommended for adults to maintain fitness.
– Nurse Precious Soremekun provided dietary advice suitable for various age groups.
– Doctor Abimbola offered insights on general health maintenance.

2.Medical Checkups:

Participants underwent comprehensive medical assessments, followed by the distribution of necessary medications based on the tests administered.

3.Food Distribution:
Each participant received a food pack intended to complement their medications.

Throughout the event, volunteers from the media team conducted interviews with participants, gathering their thoughts on the program and soliciting feedback.

FEEDBACK AND IMPACT:

As the program concluded, participants expressed heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing how the initiative would help mitigate the challenges posed by the current hardships in the country. They were reminded to adhere to the medical advice provided and to seek professional help whenever they noticed any concerning symptoms.

CONCLUSION:

The Health and Food Matters program exemplifies a critical initiative aimed at addressing health disparities within underserved communities. By focusing on education, access to medical services, and nutritional support, the Anwojue Hope Foundation is making significant strides in improving the well-being of less privileged adults. Ongoing commitment and strategic enhancements will be essential to sustain and expand this vital work.