SAPELE/Nigeria: The Delta Central Diabetes Sensitisation and Testing Medical Outreach took off in Sapele on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with an overwhelming crowd thronging the venue long before the official start, eager to access free health checks and expert medical advice.
By 8 a.m., the hall was already packed with elderly men, women, and youths waiting to test their blood sugar levels and learn more about diabetes prevention. The outreach, themed “Come Check Your Sugar Level O!”, was organised by the office of Senator Ede Dafinone in partnership with the National Health Fellows, focusing on prevention, lifestyle changes, and early detection of the disease.
For many elderly residents, the programme provided a rare window to affordable healthcare and health education. Madam Grace Okotie, a 67-year-old trader, described it as a blessing. “I came early because I know how serious diabetes can be. At my age, I don’t want to wait until sickness catches me before I act. I thank Senator Dafinone for remembering people like us,” she said.
Mrs. Comfort Awharhe, 59, echoed the sentiment. “In our community, many cannot afford hospital checks. Today, I was tested free of charge and also learned how to manage my diet. I want to thank Senator Dafinone for bringing this closer to us,” she said.
Among the men, 71-year-old Pa Michael Emonena called the outreach “timely and life-saving.” According to him, “I lost a friend last year to diabetes complications. If he had this kind of opportunity, maybe he would still be alive. I appreciate the senator for giving us hope.”
Another participant, Mr. Samson Orovwuje, 54, said he made sure to arrive early after hearing about the programme. “The health workers explained things in simple language. Now I know the importance of exercise and avoiding too much sugar. This kind of programme should continue,” he remarked.
Health workers present commended the initiative as a bold move against diabetes. One of the nurses, Mrs. Bridget Efe, noted that many participants were being screened for the first time. “Today, they know their status and what to do next. We must thank Senator Dafinone because grassroots health is where the battle must start,” she said.
A member of the National Health Fellows, Atahine Ogho Eguono, told Vanguard that the programme was targeted at tackling late detection, a major cause of severe complications. “Most patients only discover diabetes after stroke, kidney failure, or blindness has set in. That is why early detection and sensitisation are crucial. This programme will save lives,” he explained.
Speaking on behalf of Senator Dafinone, Chief Patrick Akavmoba said the outreach underscored the senator’s commitment to grassroots healthcare. “The Senator believes prevention is better and cheaper than cure. This is just the beginning. Beyond diabetes, he plans to champion more outreaches in other areas. The goal is to ensure no one is left behind,” he assured.
The outreach featured free medical tests, counselling sessions, and health talks on diet, exercise, and the dangers of ignoring early symptoms of diabetes. Volunteers attended to the crowd, while experts provided practical tips for healthy living.
Residents hailed the outreach as a “rare gift,” noting that the massive early turnout reflected the community’s hunger for accessible healthcare. “By 8 a.m., the place was already full. That shows how much people need this,” one participant said.
The medical outreach will continue across all eight Local Government Areas of Delta Central between October 1 and 18, with activities scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. daily. Organisers expressed optimism that the success of the Sapele kickoff would inspire lasting impact across the senatorial district. As one health worker put it: “This is more than just a medical outreach; it is a lifeline.”
