ISIOKOLO/Nigeria: “Diabetes is not just a big man’s sickness,” declared Mr. Peter Omehawe, coordinating officer of the Dafinone Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach for Ethiope East, as hundreds of residents trooped out over the weekend for free health screening at Isiokolo, headquarters of the local government area.
Omehawe described diabetes as one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Nigeria and the world, stressing that the disease cuts across age, gender, and social class. He warned that many people are living with the condition unknowingly until it becomes critical. “The sad truth is that many people don’t even know they have it until it becomes too late,” he said, urging residents to embrace regular testing, healthy diets, and active lifestyles to prevent complications.
The medical outreach, organized in partnership with the National Health Fellows, provided free diabetes and blood pressure tests, as well as consultations on related health conditions. Participants described the exercise as a “timely intervention” in a community where access to affordable healthcare remains a challenge.
Health experts at the event also educated residents on the two major types of diabetes — Type 1 and Type 2 — explaining the risks of neglect and self-medication. Volunteers moved from one participant to another, offering advice and interpreting results. Those with high sugar levels were referred to nearby hospitals for follow-up, while others were guided on maintaining healthy lifestyles.
“This is my first time checking my blood sugar,” said Mrs. Felicia Okorie, one of the beneficiaries. “I’ve been feeling dizzy for weeks. Now I know it’s not something to ignore.”
Commending the sponsor, Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Omehawe described him as a “leader whose name is synonymous with service, integrity, and impact.” He said the initiative reflects the senator’s long-standing belief that access to healthcare should not depend on one’s social status.
“Coming from the highly respected Dafinone family of Sapele, Senator Dafinone has continued a legacy of excellence while carving his own path as a voice for the people,” he added.
The outreach, now in its third phase, has taken similar campaigns to other local government areas within Delta Central and will expand to more communities in the coming weeks.
For many residents of Isiokolo, the programme was more than just a medical event — it was a message of care and connection. As one elderly participant put it, “We may not meet the senator in person, but through this test, he has touched our lives.”
