PHOTOS: Lagos health drive reveals critical hepatitis gap in underserved areas 

Junior Chamber International (JCI) Continental Lagos, in partnership with The RedTent Health Initiative, the CSMC Sanctuary of Healing District, and Beacon, organised a community health drive in Idi-Araba on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The “Together for Health” outreach provided free medical consultations, screenings, and treatment to 109 residents to mark World Health Day.

The initiative offered many beneficiaries a rare opportunity to access professional healthcare without the financial burden associated with hospital visits. For many in the community, the outreach served as a primary point of entry for essential medical services and free medications.

Screening reveals undiagnosed hypertension, hepatitis

Beneficiary Grace Okon, who sought treatment for malaria, discovered she had high blood pressure during the medical examinations. Okon, who was previously unaware of her condition, received medication and management advice. “I came here thinking it was just malaria, but after the tests they discovered my blood pressure was high,” she said.

The screening for hepatitis B formed a critical component of the day’s activities. Organisers reported that of the 46 residents tested for the virus, four returned positive results. Additionally, five individuals received hepatitis vaccinations during the exercise.

Multi-sectoral collaboration bridges healthcare gaps

A street awareness campaign preceded the medical exercise, led by Oluwatosin Lemo, JCI Continental Lagos president, Yetunde Mofetoluwa Aransiola director of projects and community JCI Continental Lagos, Miracle Ojedayo chairperson, Oluwatorinmo Ajanaku co-chair, Juliet Banjo executivevice president, Lola Adegun vice president, OtitoJesu Ayeni vice president, MowaninuOluwa Okunade Community Health officer, Nurse Itohan of The RedTent Health Initiative alongside Executives of the CSMC Sanctuary of Healing District led Volunteers distributed flyers and used Hausa and Yoruba interpreters to engage residents on the importance of early health checks for preventable diseases.

Healthcare professionals volunteering at the programme included The RedTent Health Initiative doctor Mayowa Adegoke, SKI Pharmacy pharmacist Ifelola Shabi, Drug Consult pharmacist Charles Oyeniyi, and CSMC Sanctuary of Healing District nurse Nike Brown. The outreach also provided welfare support, including donated clothing and baby supplies.

Future focus on preventive care and follow-up

Lemo said the initiative aimed to strengthen health awareness and encourage preventive practices within the community. Feedback gathered by organisers indicated a strong demand for sustained interventions, particularly for vulnerable groups with limited healthcare access.

Aransiola noted that future editions would focus on expanding screenings and improving follow-up care. She said the project intended to extend similar interventions to other communities across Lagos, adding that “service to humanity is the best work of life”.