Chioma Umeha
Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) has
said it would be partnering with the private and public sectors to reduce the
ignorance around the invisible condition called Endometriosis as it severely
affects the quality of life of sufferers, including all forms of meaningful
relationships.
Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue that
normally lines the uterus – the
endometrium – grows outside the
uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines or other areas in
the pelvis. It is a common cause of infertility.
Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the Founder, ESGN disclosed this at a press
conference the group organised in Lagos recently, to announce its programme of
activities for 2018.
Ajayi said, “It gives me pleasure to announce our
programme of events for the year 2018.
This year we are going to make significant inroads to expand the
awareness level of this condition among people across the country.
“In the past 12 years, we have championed this
cause in Nigeria, and we have raised the consciousness about the condition
among sufferers, medical practitioners, media and the public. We believe this
is a critical issue that needs to be addressed.”
He explained that endometriosis is a debilitating
condition which affects one in 10 women and characterised by late diagnosis as
most physicians tend to miss it.
“With all that we know today, we are bringing a
message of hope to sufferers, new technologies and treatments are becoming
available to manage the condition.
“On March 10, 2018, we will have our annual Endo
March. A walk to drive awareness about the condition in the city of Lagos. We
will commence at 7 a.m. from City Mall, Onikan through Awolowo Road to Muri
Okunola Park.
“We are happy to announce that Diamond Woman who
have traditionally supported us during the past four years is again playing a
role in ensuring the success of the walk.
Every year, we try to ensure that our Lagos Endo
March is celebrated in commemoration of the International Women’s day,” he
stated.
Ajayi said his group would be partnering with the
German Endometriosis Scientific Research Foundation to help increase awareness
among medical practitioners about advancements in the management of
endometriosis.
“A special edition of the Physicians Round Table
will hold on Thursday April, 2018 at the Civic Centre. The Physicians Round
Table (PRT) is Nordica’s annual medical conference usually in the month of
March and dedicated to Endometriosis.
“Other activities lined up include ‘Our Secondary
Schools Essay Competition’. This year’s edition is the second we are holding.
We have invited twice the number of schools that participated in the
competition last year.
“Winners of the essay competition will be awarded
a cash prize and plaque at our Endo Gala slated for April 14, 2018 at the Civic
Centre, Lagos.
“Another interesting event slated for this year’s
activities is the ESGN Picture Contest. This is the first time we will be
introducing this to our scope of activities. The winner of this contest will
become an ambassador for ESGN from the date of being crowned till our next
year’s event,” Dr. Ajayi added.
He implored all Nigerians to join their social
media campaign on Instagram, twitter and Facebook to lend a hand of support.
