Date: 2017-10-03

The District 404B2 of the Lions Clubs International has taken its health awareness programmes to major markets and communities in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Places visited by the health team included Maraba area, Ipata market, Emirs Road, Gegele among others within the metropolis.

The club flagged off its free medical tests for eye problems, cataract surgery, diabetes, high blood pressure and sugar level among others, which was held at the Banquet Hall, Ilorin on Tuesday.

Speaking at the flag off of the programme which was in collaboration with the Mercy International Mission, INC (USA) and Community Dentistry on Wheels, INC (USA), the District Governor of the Club, Lion (Asiwaju) Ayobola Samuel said the club was concerned about well-being of the people

"This is the first time we are including diabetes in our programme. This is because of its alarming high mortality rate and low level of awareness in the country.

"International Association of Lions Clubs, District 404B2 presents three days free medical services on incorporating free medical, dental, diabetes, high blood pressures, eye screening, treatment, distribution of free eye glasses to the beneficiaries.

"The objectives of the events is to help the poor and the under privileged to know their health status and help them with medication. Government cannot provide everything and that is the reason as a group we have come together to help people."

In her remarks, the Founder of Mercy International Medical Mission, Lion Dr. Anu Esuola, urged the public sector to key into the free medical service.

Speaking at the event, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed stressed that the government is partnering with non-governmental organizations to achieve a wider outreach of medical services.

The governor, who was represented by the state Commissioner of Health, Alhaji Atolagbe Alege, noted that the programme is in line with the state government's objective of ensuring a healthy well being for the people.

He added that government in collaboration with LEAH Foundation is conducting free breast and cervical screening exercise for 4,000 female civil servants in the state.

He acknowledged the activities of the club aimed at catering for welfare of people just as he urged other non-governmental organisations to take a cue from the Lions Club.