Towards commemorating the third year anniversary of Maden Healthcare Foundation (MHF), has collaborated with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) National Outreach Committee and successfully organized a nationwide School Health Program Month.
It was themed, "A Healthier School Today... A Prosperous Nation Tomorrow."
The initiative, which ran throughout November, was aimed at promoting health awareness, disease prevention, and the overall well-being of students in schools across Nigeria.
A statement issued at the weekend said "It highlighted the importance of creating a healthy learning environment as a cornerstone for national development.
States Involved
"The program reached schools in 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), including: Abuja
Anambra, Abia, Borno, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Gombe.
Other states are Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara states.
The Program Highlighted "During the month-long campaign, schools across these states hosted activities such as:
"Health education sessions on topics like hygiene: general, personal, hand, menstrual, oral; nutrition, mental well-being and basic first aid
"Talks on Self Esteem to help improve the confidence of students especially the females during their menstrual periods.
"Workshops for teachers on Basic First Aid to educate on what to do in cases of emergencies
"Vaccination drives and distribution of MHF emergency menstrual hygiene kits, including MHF first aid kits, oral hygiene packs and posters on menstrual hygiene, first aid, hand hygiene and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)"
The program, it said, involved health professionals, school administrators and volunteers, drawing commendations for its practical approach to student health and its long-term benefits.
Voices from the Initiative
Dr. Eseoghene Agbatutu, Founder of Maden Healthcare Foundation, expressed her excitement over the program’s success.
She said “The School Health Program Month reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child in Nigeria has the opportunity to thrive academically and personally in a healthy environment.
"By prioritizing their health today, we are laying the groundwork for a prosperous nation tomorrow. We are grateful to MWAN, our volunteers, and all stakeholders who made this initiative a reality.”
Dr. Ifeyinwa Maureen Okeke, Chairperson of MWAN National Outreach Committee, added, “This program is a testament to the power of collaboration in addressing critical healthcare needs.
"We believe that by equipping schools and communities with the right tools and knowledge, we are building a healthier, stronger generation.”
On the Impact of the Initiative, it said "The collaboration between MHF and MWAN reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare access and awareness among vulnerable populations, particularly children.
"Organizers expressed optimism that this initiative would inspire similar programs across the country."
With the success of the inaugural School Health Program Month, it said, both organizations have pledged to continue addressing health challenges in Nigerian schools and promoting the message that the health of children today is the wealth of the nation tomorrow.
Looking Ahead, it added "The success of this initiative has inspired plans for future collaborations and sustained efforts to improve health in Nigerian schools. Both MHF and MWAN remain committed to their shared mission of fostering a healthier Nigeria, starting with its youngest citizens."