•••Embarks On Free Medical Services, Health Insurance Enrollment
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| From L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba; Beneficiary, Mrs. Chiamaka John; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi and the Founder, Dr. Simisola Alabi Foundation, Dr. Simisola Alabi at the Healthy Mothers and Thriving Children Community Outreach Programme sponsored by the Foundation in Partnership with the Lagos State Government at Obalende on Saturday |
To improve Maternal and child health, Simisola Alabi Foundation has joined forces with the Lagos State Government, on Saturday, held a medical outreach programme inObalende, Lagos Island
The initiative was aimed to bring hope, good healthcare, and nutrition to hundreds of mothers and children under the banner “Healthy Mothers; Thriving Children.”
Also, tailored to curb of stunting and malnutrition, the initiative attracted an enthusiastic crowd as free medical checks, insurance registration, food packs, menstrual care packages, and educational talks filled the community centre with life-changing activities.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, who was on ground to support the outreach, lauded Dr. Simisola Alabi’s efforts. “Dr. Alabi is one of our ‘brain gain’ doctors,” she remarked, “and she continues to show that Lagos welcomes the ideas and initiatives of our returning professionals.”
Dr. Ogunyemi seized the opportunity to sensitize mothers on the dangers of patronizing untrained traditional birth attendants (TBAs), emphasizing the government's commitment to affordable and accessible healthcare through health insurance. "Maternal deaths happen too often because women avoid hospitals. Health insurance removes the financial barrier to quality care," she stressed.
She noted the outreach also offered a critical platform to raise awareness about other public health concerns. “Many in this community didn’t know about the diphtheria outbreak," Dr. Ogunyemi revealed. "Education saves lives, and this event provided a perfect setting to share crucial health information."
In a heartfelt plea, Dr. Ogunyemi urged men to play an active role in family health. “Men must not be bystanders. Whether it’s health insurance or family planning, it’s a shared responsibility,” she said.
Earlier in her remarks, the Founder of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Dr. Simisola Alabi, explained the deep philosophy behind the outreach. “It’s not because I have so much money," she said. "It’s because I understand the power of giving. Helping one mother today could uplift an entire generation tomorrow."
She traced the roots of her passion for humanitarian service to her days in the UK, noting that the loss of a mentor had inspired her early charitable works. “When I returned to Nigeria, I knew I had to continue making an impact,” she added.
Dr. Alabi said tackling stunting — a largely under-addressed crisis affecting children's physical and cognitive growth was central to the programme’s agenda. “Stunting doesn’t just affect height; it affects brain development and life outcomes,” Dr. Alabi explained. “By empowering mothers today, we’re shaping a better future for our children.
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| From L-R: Founder, Dr. Simisola Alabi Foundation, Dr. Simisola Alabi; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Emmanuella Zamba and the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi at the Healthy Mothers and Thriving Children Community Outreach Programme sponsored by the Foundation in Partnership with the Lagos State Government at Obalende on Saturday. |
She emphasised the intentionality behind the project. “Every food item distributed today was carefully selected to be culturally appropriate and highly nutritious,” he noted, citing the inclusion of crayfish, palm oil, beans powder, and menstrual hygiene products.
Dr. Alabi called on corporate organizations to rethink their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies. “The real heartbeat of Lagos is in communities like Obalende, not just the affluent neighborhoods. Channel your CSR here where it truly matters,” she urged.
Among the services offered, attendees received health insurance enrollment through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), led by Dr. Emmanuella Zamba, who described the outreach as "a truly commendable initiative" deserving of emulation.
"Today, mothers and children are getting immunizations, malaria treatments, nutrition counseling, and free insurance, all in one place," Dr. Zamba said. "Initiatives like this prove that individuals and communities can drive sustainable health development."
The Executive Director of the Simisola Alabi Foundation, Pharm. Bebenimibo Perezi emphasized the Foundation's dedication to tackling pressing health issues such as childhood malnutrition, and maternal health challenges that continue to affect many Lagos residents.
“With the support of partners such as Codix Nigeria, May & Baker, Pearls Specialist Clinic, Amayi Foods, Page Financials, and Lawyer Funmi Roberts, the Foundation is determined to extend its reach beyond this first event, with the ultimate goal of improving the health and lives of thousands of women and children across the state.
He noted that Healthy Mothers; Thriving Children initiative is the Foundation's first major program for 2025 which aims to reach over 1,000 mothers and children in its first quarter. “The program offers a range of services, including maternal and child health education, menstrual hygiene packs, health checks, and the provision of free health insurance for vulnerable residents through the LASHMA EKOSHA initiative”, he noted.
Dr. Olukemi Kwenin, a trustee of the Dr. Simisola Alabi Foundation, praised the success of the "Healthy Mothers; Thriving Children" outreach in Obalende. She highlighted the event’s focus on educating mothers about malaria prevention, nutrition, and wellness, vital to the health of both mothers and children. Dr. Kwenin stressed the importance of addressing issues like stunted growth and promoting disease prevention for a healthier future. She called for similar initiatives across Lagos to ensure stronger and healthier communities.
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The Medical Officer of Health for Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Dr. Akintayo Akintoba endorsed the partnership with the Dr. Simisola Alabi Foundation. He praised the Foundation's efforts in providing immunizations and health checks during the outreach. Dr. Akintoba emphasized the importance of collaborations between local stakeholders and organizations to improve health outcomes and strengthen healthcare services in Lagos State.
Kudzai Hove, Founder of Amayi Foods – one of the sponsors of the event expressed the company’s commitment to maternal and child nutrition at the outreach event. Hove emphasized Amayi Foods' philosophy of offering only high-quality products for mothers and children, aligning with the Dr. Simisola Alabi Foundation's mission. He reaffirmed their support for the Foundation’s initiative, reflecting their dedication to improving family health and well-being.
Many beneficiaries could not hide their excitement. Mrs. Mariam Akpan, a mother of two who received a food pack and free health screening, said, “I feel like today I am not forgotten. They even enrolled me for health insurance, God bless them.”
