Total has pledged to reduce the prevalence of some of the critical health diseases that are ravaging many Nigerian communities, as it rendered free medical services to majority of residents of Kirikiri town in Lagos state
The services rendered centered on issues of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetics and coronary diseases. Other includes free screening for blood sugar, high blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI).
The residents of the area according to Total officials are prone to cardiovascular health challenge because of the tensed nature of the environment area which is largely occupied by articulated vehicles, motor cycle riders popularly known as Okada.
The traffic in this area coupled with emissions from the vehicles have made it expedient for the company to focus its free medical services on the community this time around, an official of Total told BusinessDay.
Imrane Barry, managing director of Total plc who was represented by Bunmi Popoola-Mordi, executive general manager, Total Country Services, in his address to the community, said Total as responsible company is not just committed to better energy, but it is also committed to the well-being of the society where we live and carry out business as well.
He said in line with Social Corporate Responsibility (CRS) policy, the company is committed to the improvement of health of its employees their families and the communities within which it carry out its activities. This he said is done through health programmes.
“The Total Cardiovascular Disease (CDV) initiative is in direct alignment with the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Strategic Action Plan on prevention and non Control-communicable (2015) which identifies CVD project as a major public health issue in Nigeria,” he said.
He stated that CVD being primarily due to behavioral risk factors, raising public awareness is as crucial as being able to benefit from early detection. “To strengthen this awareness, we must act collectively by engaging our stakeholders, by building partnerships and by actively contributing to public health policies.”
The total boss explained further that the objective of Total CVD project is to reduce the prevalence of cardiovascular Disease.
He said during a recent stakeholders engagement in exercise the kirikiri area was highlighted as traffic prone are with health of road users and resident being at risk of CVD. The medical outreach he explained will afford them the opportunity to know their vital CVD numbers and enable them take the necessary precautionary measures in managing their health.
The exercise which was carried out in conjunction with the Lagos State Ministry of Health was attended by a huge number of residents of the area who trooped out to express their joy for getting such service that has eluded the community for many years.
Olusola Bello
