Jul 2, 2025 | News
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, the Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) successfully conducted a free medical outreach at Otun Abese Community, Ibadan, Oyo State. Approximately 200 residents, comprising men, women, children, and the elderly, accessed essential healthcare services.
The outreach promoted health awareness, offered medical screenings, provided free medication, and educated the community on healthy living practices. The ROHSI approach focused on proactive health management and accessible care.
At the medical outreach, we provided health education where vital information on maintaining good health, regular medical screenings, and adopting healthy lifestyles were discussed with the participants
Also, there was medical screening to identify various health conditions early, especially on hypertension and diabetes, the two silent killers
Participants also received free medications courtesy of our sponsors and partners. On that day also some individuals that requires further medical attention were referred to appropriate healthcare facilities
Names of individuals with critical medical conditions were listed out for further support and follow-up through our WhatsApp community, where we shared daily health tips and other health opportunities
We extend our deepest gratitude to our sponsors: Codix Pharma Nigeria, Kemisola Bolarinwa through Next Wear Technologies, Africa Social Enterprise Workshop (ASEW) for supporting our social enterprise scheme and other anonymous contributors.
To our host community, Otun Abese Community, for their warmth and hospitality, and our Board of Trustees, Management Team, Staff, and Volunteers for their dedication and hard work. To our family, friends, and ROHSI Community, we say thank you all for your support and generosity. We enjoy always
Major highlights of the outreach:
- A majority of residents are unaware of their health status, highlighting a critical need for increased health awareness campaigns.
- Even those aware of their conditions cannot access necessary care due to the escalating cost of medical services.
- There is an alarming surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), particularly hypertension and diabetes. This trend demands urgent attention from the government and other stakeholders.
- The preventable nature of many NCDs, which are tragically claiming the lives of our working and productive adults, is a significant concern that requires immediate and concerted efforts.
The surge in preventable #NCDs demands urgent intervention from government and stakeholders. We urge:
- The implementation of practical healthcare policies (beyond paperwork).
- Introduction of affordable indigenous health insurance schemes for underserved community
- More partnerships from governments, policymakers and organisations of like minds to expand medical outreach programmes.
We reiterate our profound gratitude to all our sponsors, partners, board, and team members for making this outreach a success. We remain committed to bridging healthcare gaps and working towards accessible quality healthcare for all.
Thank you for your unwavering support.
ROHSI Management Team.
Dec 21, 2024 | News
Rays of Hope Support Initiative: Path to Healthier Lives in Ibadan
Rays of Hope Support Initiative: Path to Healthier Lives in Ibadan
Nigeria’s Silent Health Crisis: Hypertension and Diabetes
More than 20 million Nigerians are living and battling with hypertension silently, while more than 11 million live with diabetes. More than half of those affected by these silent killers are unaware of their health status. Even among those who are aware, many are not taking action. Those trying to seek care are hindered by economic challenges and unable to afford or access health care. As a result, they resign to their fate, waiting for the inevitable.
Nearly 30% of deaths in Nigeria, either at the hospital or at home, stem from NCDs. The nation’s potential brightest contributors are lost to these illnesses. The most vulnerable are hit hardest, as a lack of resources cuts their dreams short.
Rays of Hope Support Initiative
Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) has been operational since 2017. Located in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. ROHSI is dedicated to combating the rising burden of NCDs in Ibadan and Nigeria, where it has been implementing innovative solutions to address these pressing issues. As an organization working within the NCD health space, ROHSI has focused on empowering vulnerable populations, such as older people, women and children, who are disproportionately affected by NCDs. This involves providing targeted interventions, addressing social determinants of health and ensuring equitable access to health care services.
The ROHSI team, since inception, has been working closely with local health care providers through collaboration and partnerships to ensure that individuals with NCDs, especially hypertension and diabetes, receive appropriate treatment and care. This includes providing access to essential medications and connecting patients with support services. Through its community-based health education initiative, the organization conducts regular health education programs to raise awareness about NCDs, especially hypertension and diabetes, their risk factors and preventive measures.
These sessions are tailored to the specific needs of the community, ensuring that information is accessible and understandable. Furthermore, the ROHSI early detection and screening program allows for timely intervention, reducing the likelihood of severe complications, therefore saving many lives from avoidable deaths.
Impact of Rays of Hope Support Initiative
ROHSI’s efforts have yielded significant results in improving the health and well-being of the community in Ibadan. It has educated more than 10,000 citizens on disease prevention with an emphasis on hypertension and diabetes. The organization has made an impact across three states, reaching more than 5,000 direct beneficiaries through free screenings and medication.
The nonprofit currently has a thriving online community with access to daily, up-to-date health tips. More than 1,500 members are part of its combined Facebook group, with thousands more across other social media platforms, where they access up-to-date information on health-related issues.
Many of ROHSI’s community members have reported a significant improvement in their quality of life as a result of the team interventions, including reduced symptoms, increased energy levels and greater independence.
Final Note
ROHSI has strengthened its community members’ resilience by empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. It has done so through daily health tips and free access to its medical team for guidance on health and wellness issues. The organization has advocated for favourable health policy changes from the Nigerian government and policymakers to address the root causes of NCDs and improve access to health care services in Nigeria. It does this by fostering partnerships and collaborations with like-minded local and international organizations.
Coutersy: The Borgen Project & ROHSI
Aug 24, 2024 | Testimonials
This week, we shine our MCM limelight on Benjamin Masominu Olorunfemi, an exemplary leader who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity. Born on June 7th, Benjamin is the driving force behind Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI), where he serves as the Executive Director. With a career that spans over 18 years, Benjamin has made significant strides in the field of social impact and community development, particularly in the health sector.
Benjamin’s journey is one marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a deep commitment to improving the lives of the underserved. His work with ROHSI has been transformative and impactful, particularly in the areas of non-communicable diseases, hypertension and diabetes. Since taking the helm in 2017, his ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with government agencies, donors, and stakeholders has been crucial in sustaining efforts and ensuring that the organization’s mission holds, and this mission. Benjamin has successfully implemented with over 11 community health outreaches across Lagos, Oyo, and Osun states. These initiatives have provided free screenings and medication to over 5,000 individuals, offering hope and health to some of Nigeria’s most underserved, and left behind communities.
With a solid educational background in Banking and Finance from Ambrose Alli University, coupled with certifications from the Nigerian Institute of Industrial Security and the Police Training College in Ikeja. Benjamin has also taken numerous courses in entrepreneurship, leadership, cyber security, nonprofit management, and social enterprise – skills that have proven invaluable in his current role.
Benjamin’s contributions to community health and development are profound. In 2023, he was nominated for the prestigious CSR_in_Action: CAHR Award. He is also an active member of the Nigeria Network of NGOs, World Health Organisation Global Diabetes Compact Forum, and World Patients Alliance, where he continues to advocate for better health outcomes on a global scale.
Guided by his philosophy, “I believe in making a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Benjamin Masominu remains committed to serving humanity and creating opportunities. His leadership is embedded in the power of building strong partnerships and leveraging resources to address the challenges faced by underserved communities.
On Member Crush Monday Feature which also coincides with the commemoration of World Humanitarian Day, join us in celebrating Benjamin Masominu Olorunfemi, a change maker who embodies the spirit of humanitarianism and continues to inspire us all to act for humanity.
#MemberCrushMonday
#WorldHumanitarianDay
#PhilanthropyMatters
#ChangeMakersInNonprofits
#NonprofitsDoingGood
#SustainableDevelopmentGoals
#LeaveNoOneBehind
#GlobalGoals #Rohsi3 #NNNGO
May 17, 2022 | Healthy Tips
Today, the number of the people living with hypertension has doubled to 1.28 billion, says World health Organisation (WHO), and nearly half of these people did not know they had it (More than 700 million people with untreated hypertension).
As an organisation working within the NCDs space, we know some of the effects of hypertension on our people! That hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart, brain, and kidney diseases that has caused many sudden death and disease among our people.
That, about 25-30% of medical emergencies at our medical centres got to do with issues related to high blood pressure and other Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs). That hypertension does not show signs or symptoms, but it can be detected through checking of ones’ blood pressure either at home or in a health centre. That hypertension can often be treated effectively with medications that are low cost (but not often affordable).
From our field experience and conversations with our community people, we saw the prevalence of hypertension to be so high. We are asking our policymakers, international organisations such World Health organisation (WHO), International Hypertension Federation and community influencers to arise and help with a framework that can help in reducing the risk and burden that come with this ailment among our people.
We ask that they make our primary health centres a working one (be equipped to meet up the need of the people as the first point of contact) where our people can have access to the best treatment and possible medical referrals in case.
The cost of hypertension treatment per person in Nigeria is on the high side. It has led majority of our people to source for alternative means or abandoning treatments due to the high cost of treatment and medications with little family income (that is to tell us that there is poverty in the land). For people to access medical treatments and medications in a month, it cost; them over #5000 (in a population where the majority survive on less than a few hundred Naira per day).
We are asking, let there be an increase in awareness, screening, treatment, and control of hypertension among our people. They must be encouraged to visit our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) with the assurance of having access to best of medical treatment.
Let there be considerations to the cost of procuring high blood pressure medications. If they can do it with HIV/AIDS and TB something like that can be done with hypertension treatment and other NCDs.
We must know that hypertension and other NCDs worsen our people’s poverty levels since it would not allow them to make a viable contribution to national income that can lead to growth and development.
We at the Rays Of Hope Support Initiative -ROHSI are saying; we can stop the surge of hypertension among our people if we all do our part.
We care for the health and wellbeing of our people. That is why we are #ROHSI3.
Dec 20, 2021 | News
HE ALMOST DIED FROM HYPERTENSION; NOW HE HELPS OTHERS LIVE FREE OF THE DISEASE
Benjamin Olorunfemi had strong headaches and felt body weakness amid racing heartbeats. When self-medication did not help, his wife persuaded him to see a doctor. What followed was slightly scary.
“I went as advised, and the doctor that attended to me raised an eyebrow about my blood pressure numbers [198/125 mmHg, way above the healthy average of 120/80 mmHg),” 49-year-old Olorunfemi said.
His condition was hypertension stage 3, the doctor explained further. The doctor prescribed some drugs for Olorunfemi, which he took and, fortunately, became better.
But during his recovery process, Olorunfemi wanted to know more about hypertension and how to control it, so he started reading online articles on the subject. This led him to discover that millions of Nigerians live with hypertension and other non-communicable diseases without knowing it.
His finding was consistent with a World Health Organisation report that says “most people with hypertension are unaware of the problem because it may have no warning signs or symptoms.”
Available data further confirms that at least 31% of Nigerians (66 million) are suffering from hypertension. And most of the 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 who live with the disease globally are from low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
Olorunfemi takes action to help others
Inspired by his discovery, in 2017, Olorunfemi started a nonprofit organisation, Rays of Hope Support Initiative or ROHSI, to create awareness about hypertension and diabetes (another deadly disease affecting 5.77% of Nigerians) among rural residents of Oyo State in Southwest Nigeria, where he lives.
Olorunfemi started with a post on Facebook explaining what he planned to do and asking for volunteers. He got several responses, including from a pharmacist and three medical doctors who are now part of his volunteer pool of 19.
Operating from Plot 5. Block C, Oke Bola(CICS) Layout,Ondo Road, Otun Abese in Ibadan, Oyo State, ROHSI also provides free screening, medical advice, and free medications to patients with hypertension and diabetes via biannual community outreaches.
Once every six months, the group holds a health outreach in a rural community in either Oyo or Lagos State. The outreach is done in consultation and collaboration with community leaders, targeting young adults and the elderly.
Months before the outreach, the group runs physical and social media fundraising campaigns to raise money to buy drugs and handle other logistics during the one-day campaign.
On the day of the outreach, people come to a designated location. Medical experts in ROHSI’s team brief the attendees about hypertension and diabetes mellitus, the risk factors, dangers, symptoms, preventive measures., and what to do if they have symptoms of the diseases.
After that, each participant can proceed to see a doctor for testing. Those with positive results are directed to see another doctor who counsels them privately and sends a list of prescribed drugs to the pharmacist, who hands the medications to the patient for free.
“We test for their blood pressure, blood sugar level, as well as their weight. We offer medical education and treat them where necessary,” said Charles Fajonyomi, a volunteer medical doctor with the organisation.
“Our mandate is to reach out and impact the lives of Nigerians in our rural communities who are not aware of the life-threatening effects of hypertension and diabetes and the preventive methods,” adds Olorunfemi, who studied Banking and Finance but works as a security expert for a private security firm in Oyo.
Olorunfemi said the organisation had its first outreach in August 2017 at Irewumi community in Oyo State. Since then, it has reached about 10,000 people with information about hypertension and diabetes mellitus, including nearly 3000 people (across six communities in Lagos and Oyo states) it has screened and provided with health advice and free medications.
“At first, we thought it was a joke, but they treated us free of charge when they came to our community,” said 50-year-old Imam Ibraheem’, who benefitted during that first outreach in Irewumi.
For 59-year-old Taiwo Odukoya, a November 2019 beneficiary from Otun Abese community in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, “They checked my blood pressure, and it was high. They also told me my sugar level was high. “[Then] I was given drugs, and they followed up on me from time to time to be sure I was sticking to my medication and recovering well.”
As a means of follow-up on its beneficiaries, the organisation created a WhatsApp group where beneficiaries can always ask questions about their health and get advice from its volunteer doctors in the group. The group now has 256 members.
“We ask questions and talk to doctors [on the group] when we need to,” said Ibraheem’.
Fajonyomi, the doctor, said ROHSI is trying to change rural dwellers’ attitudes toward their health. And that is because “people’s attitude to their health is poor in our part of the world. Once people are not very sick, they don’t care about going for medical check-ups.”
According to Olorunfemi, the nonprofit conducts just two outreaches per year because, for now, its funding and funding sources are limited, mostly from family, friends, and colleagues and whatever they get from their social media calls for support per outreach.
He said none of the group’s regular calls for support from pharmaceutical companies, local authorities and donor organisations had yielded any significant fruits.
“Getting support isn’t always easy. Most times, we write to pharmaceutical companies seeking drugs, but that support never comes, and we have to purchase the drugs ourselves,” he said.
He said in the future, ROHSI hopes to build a medical centre in Oyo State, where people could have access to healthcare when they need it for free.
“Our primary healthcare system is not there yet, and it is supposed to be the first point of call for the majority of these preventable ailments in our communities, but that’s not the case. Also, the cost of accessing treatment and medication is so high that it discourages a lot of people from visiting health facilities when they have symptoms of these ailments,” Olorunfemi said.
First Published By Prime Progress https://primeprogressng.com/posts/he-almost-died-from-hypertension-now-he-helps-others-live-free-of-the-disease-55
Aug 2, 2021 | News
ROHSI MAKES CASE FOR WIDOWS, SINGLE MOTHERS IN NIGERIA
The Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI), a non-governmental organisaton has proffered solution to the plights of widows and single mothers in Nigeria, following the difficult challenges they face after the death of their spouses.
This was made known in a paper presented by Oyeronke Olorunfemi, director at ROHSI during a programme organised recently by Heart For Widows International, a charity organisaton, to commemorate the United Nations (UN) International Day 2021 held at Alagbaka in Akure, Ondo State with theme: “Invisible Woman, Invisible Problem”.
Olorunfemi said that in the course of her community work, she noticed that more of women especially, older women are having high blood pressure than their male counterparts as majority are widows, handed over the mantle of family leadership without much preparation after the death of their husbands.
She therefore, prays that, God should continue to protect the men as they go out daily, not to die young as not to relinquish the mantle of family leadership to the woman should such suddenly happens.
“We know the loss of a partner is devastating. For many of our women around the world especially in developing countries such as ours, the loss is magnified by a long-term struggle for their basic needs, their rights and dignity”, Olorunfemi said.
She stressed on what befalls the woman should she loose her husband to include evicted from their homes or physically abused, or where their social status is linked to that of their husband’s and such husband passed on suddenly without a solid plan, what would happen to the health of such a widow?
Olorunfemi lamented that such a widow among other things have to accept unwillingly what nature has brought to her because of the children, unwarranted conditions from their husband relatives, social norms, which results in many women dying prematurely.
“So we can all imagine how burning this issue is? I have this question, should our women identity be defined by their husband or should be viewed on their own merits?” she asked.
To this end, she suggested ways by which government and society must improve the lives of widows, single women and their families to include:
“We must come up with poverty-reduction strategies like access to credit or other economic resources and provide educational opportunities for our widows and their children to make life easier.
“Our widows should have unlimited rights to their husband inheritance or land ownership under the law of the land.
“Violence towards widows must be stopped and it has to be now.
“We must all advocate for equitable access to healthcare for our widows. They must not be denied such an opportunity.
“We must them secure against economic insecurity stemming from widowhood that has driven some of our widows and girls to sex work.
“We must keep talking to authorities to take action to uphold their commitment to ensuring the rights of the widows as enshrined in our laws and conventions.
“Let us keep advocating for programmes and policies for ending violence against widows and their children.
She concluded that the above would make life more meaningful to widows, as the health and the wellbeing of their children would not be an issue anymore, because these solutions if implemented would have taken care of those needs.
Eelier in their welcome addresses, Prince Adetayo Adesida and Mrs. Britt Schulze Adesida expressed the gratitude that God had used them to reach out to widows across Africa and the world at large by empowering them, so that they can fend for themselves on the event of the loose of their husbands.
“God has been able to help spread our tentacles to some countries in Africa as well where we have been able to reach out to the widows in Rwanda, Kenya, Lesotho, Seychelles, Uganda to mention but a few.
“We thank God that we did not only give widows fishes to survive on, but also teach them how to fish through various vocational developmental schemes, which empowers the widow to be self-reliant and self-sufficient to the point that their product which is been displayed at this event, is not only sold in the country, but also shipped out of other countries so that it becomes an economic empowerment for our widows.”
“God has been so faithful to the point that we are able to establish this foundation in the USA, The Netherlands, Germany, India, Nigeria, Tanzania and Bulgaria.
Dignitaries at the event include The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Adelusi represented by Chief Aro of Akure kingdom accompanied by some chiefs from the palace; delegation from the Ondo State government, which included Mrs. Olubunmi Ademosu, Special Adviser to the Ondo State government on Intergovernmental Relation and Oluwafemi Dennis Fadairo, Director of Administration to the Senate President of Nigeria, Ahmed Lawan.
First Published By Dispatch News Online http://dispatchnews.com.ng/2021/08/02/rohsi-makes-case-for-widows-single-mothers-in-nigeria/
Jun 7, 2021 | Events
ROHSI CALL TO ACTION
I am writing to say thank you and to show my appreciations for all that you have made us to achieved in terms of being able to provide access to healthcare treatment to our targeted community members. A huge thank you!
I am also using this as a call to action to my other friends to be part of what we are doing at Rays of Hope Support Initiative – #ROHSI3
Within my work as a social development worker, whenever I hear of people battling with health-related issues especially hypertension and diabetes that have led to strokes, heart attack, sudden death, or stories such as he/she wasn’t sick, we were still together yesterday give me and my team great pains because death such as this could be prevented with access to information, measures and monitoring of our health numbers, medication, and change in lifestyle.
I do wish we saved many of these lives by influencing their diets and lifestyles in a way that would keep them healthy and strong to be able to be alive for their loved ones! We know how unbearable it is; to lose a loving and dependable member of a household. I do not want this to happening again because many of these deaths could be prevented with our efforts at Rays of Hope Support Initiative.
I am asking you to join my team with your resources, time (as our ambassadors/Volunteers), network, collaborations, recommendation, money, donations. Let us save lives by inculcating healthy lifestyles through awareness and access to equity healthcare treatment among people when we were able to take the good news to their doorsteps.
You can start from here:
For the donations, use any of our secure links:
STANBICIBTC BANK PLC: Rays of Hope Support Initiative
Naira: 0022069426
Dollar: 0027047650
Or through
www.rohsi.org/donate
If you could support this by donating and then sharing it with your network. I would greatly appreciate it. I know that money can be tight, so please know that every donation makes us closer to our goal.
Kindly reach out to me in case you have any questions, and I will be happy to answer them. I thank all for rejoicing with me and joining me in this mission of impacting and saving the majority of our people from avoidable/sudden death.
Let’s do this together! Love, Health and Joy,
Benjamin Olorunfemi
Executive Director
Sep 20, 2020 | News
ROHSI CREATES AWARENESS ON SALIENT ILLNESSES
By Canice Opara
The Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) has been creating awareness on salient sicknesses in the country, such as hypertension and diabetes through education on their health implications.
According to Mr. Benjamin Olorunfemi, founder of the organization, these ailments have been causing a lot of problems in the country, and unfortunately people are not always taking them seriously, hence his organization has embarked on an awareness campaign to education citizens.
Olorunfemi, who narrated how he almost died through these sickness, said he later researched on them only to discover that high blood pressure and diabetes are among other non-communicable diseases millions of Nigerians are battling with without knowing what they are, that this has led to his desire to raise awareness, provide health education, get people screened for hypertension and diabetes with the vision to reducing the untimely death resulting from complications caused by these ailments. Hence, Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) was born in March 2017.
“We found out that if people had access to information and medical services early, deaths and other health complications arising from these ailments could be prevented. Then we decided to fight against these diseases with one-on-one talk Initiative, which was later extended to our communities because of the increasing number of people who need information and treatment”, he said.
Olorunfemi, quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), said hypertension and diabetes are responsible for an estimated 45 percent of adults’ death due to heart diseases, and 51 percent of deaths due to stroke globally, with studies blaming the increasing prevalence of the condition on lifestyle and dietary factors such as physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use, and a diet high in sodium usually from processed and fatty foods. That unfortunately, the control of hypertension and diabetes has become a priority in many countries of the world, but remains a crisis in Nigeria in terms of awareness and management as the condition continues unabated.
He stated that studies continue to show from experts that more Nigerians are daily battling with these ailments without laid down measures, and asked why?
The ROHSI founder believes that economic downturn and the astronomical increase in managing these ailments are forcing many people to go on compulsory “drug holiday’’, as they found it hard to get funds in getting medical screening and medication on real-time. And that it could be why today people are seeking an alternative to orthodox drugs and treatment, as the economic situation has not allowed the majority of them to be able to cope with continuing medication.
He wondered why government, whose responsibility it is to create awareness and help pharmaceutical companies in curbing these sicknesses, is not doing much in that regard.
“Our government that was supposed to help in terms of awareness, providing relief and subsidies to pharmaceutical companies and the people with hypertension and diabetes to ameliorates their health conditions are not doing much even; our primary healthcare centres that supposed to be the first point of call for screening, detecting and helping in alleviating these ailments are not functioning to their name. Today, many of these patients are going back to alternative medicine or ‘’drug holiday’’ as I have said earlier, which often worsens the condition resulting in more health complications”, Olorunfemi lamented.
He said based on this, they are coming in to bridge that gap by coming in today as an organization to provide means by which more of people with these ailments could be reached through programmes like community outreaches, where they have provided free screening and medication to over 3,000 Nigerians.
“We all know there are significant health and economic gains attached to early detection, adequate treatment and good control of hypertension and diabetes than treating the complications of these ailments”, he reminded.
While saying that his organisation has the vision of supporting the health and well-being of people through health education and enlightenment, Olorunfemi said “but it’s not what we can do alone as an organisation; we need like minded people like you to help us with your time, network, resources among others in achieving the following:
“To create awareness on the effects and management of hypertension and diabetes among our people with special interest among the low income and the less privileged members of our society.
“To help increase the understanding among the communities, especially the less privileged members of the communities battling with these ailments about its impact on their health.
“To reduce the percentage of people with these diseases significantly through our awareness, health education and community outreaches respectively with follow-up on a great percentage of the people.
“To provide people living with hypertension or diabetes with comprehensive information on the causes and management.
“To provide our targeted audience with ongoing follow-up information on hypertension and diabetes.
“To reach a larger number of the communities with pamphlets, handbill, lecture in local dialects for clear and better understanding of what hypertension and diabetes are all about, and how deadly they could become if not discovered and managed on time”.
Olorunfemi advised that Nigerians should discourage people from resorting to self – medication, but instead seek for proper medical attention.
He added that all of the above cannot be achieved without Nigerians’ efforts and contributions, and that is why his organisation is asking people to join them with all that they have in achieving these.
First Published By Dispatch News Online http://dispatchnews.com.ng/2020/09/19/rohsi-creates-awareness-on-salient-illnesses/
Sep 17, 2020 | News
MY STORY WITH RAYS OF HOPE SUPPORT INITIATIVE-ROHSI
BY: Benjamin Olorunfemi
In July 2016, after being away for weeks I came home to observe some off-duty days with my family. I knew I was having symptoms of not being in good health but I cannot say precisely what was wrong with me. My wife and I was a bit worry because I hardly fell sick.
I took some medication (just as we like to do in this part of the world without consulting a doctor; or any medical personnel). I was a bit ok as I went back to my place of work after observing the few days off. But by the time I resumed back, it became an issue as I couldn’t comprehend or coordinate myself. I was advised to visit a hospital to see a doctor. I went as advise, and the doctor that attended to me raised an eyebrow about my blood pressure numbers (to me it was nothing because I did not know the health implications of the numbers).
I was given medication for few days with advice to come back in a matter of days but within two days my blood pressure numbers rose from 140/100 mmHg to 198/125mmHg (at this stage, all was happening to me as I could not see, the headache, the heartbeats among others). I was rushed back to the hospital by my colleagues, where I was admitted and put under observation for over 12 hours (Their actions saved my life from some health complications I got to know later).
I got advised of my life through the medical doctor that attended to me on what was happening to me, the prevalence in Nigeria and the health implications it could cause me if I did not get to manage it on time. He made me understand that it has led to many dying at their prime but; I wondered why with all my education and exposure I did not get to know this
With that, consultations were made within the circle of friends, family, and community members among others. Books and Journals were read researching on what is high blood pressure, diabetes among other non-communicable diseases and what I found out (that millions of Nigerians are battling with these diseases without in knowing of what it is) led to the desire to raise awareness, provide health education, get people screened for hypertension and diabetes with the vision of reducing the untimely death resulting from complications caused by these ailments
We found out that if people had access to information and medical services early, deaths and other health complications arising from these ailments could be prevented. Then we decided to fight against these diseases with one on one talk Initiative, which was later extended to our communities but because of the increasing number of people who need information and treatment, Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) was born in March 2017
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension and diabetes are responsible for an estimated 45% of adults’ death due to heart diseases and 51% of deaths due to stroke globally with studies blaming the increasing prevalence of the condition on lifestyle and dietary factors such as physical inactivity, alcohol and tobacco use, and a diet high in sodium usually from processed and fatty foods. Unfortunately, the control of hypertension and diabetes has become a priority in many countries of the world, but remain a crisis in Nigeria in terms of awareness and management as the condition continues unabated.
Studies continue to show from experts that more Nigerians are daily battling with these ailments without laid down measures why? The economic downturn and the astronomical increase in managing these ailments are forcing many of our people to go on compulsory ‘’ drug holiday’’ as they found it hard to get funds in getting medical screening and medication on real-time.
Today people are seeking an alternative to orthodox drugs and treatment as the economic situation has not allowed the majority of them to be able to cope with continuing medication.
Our government that was supposed to help in terms of awareness, providing relief and subsidies to pharmaceutical companies and the people with hypertension and diabetes to ameliorates their health conditions are not doing much even; our primary healthcare centres that supposed to be the first point of call for screening, detecting and help in alleviating these ailments are not functioning to their name. Today, many of these patients are going back to alternative medicine or ‘’ drug holiday’’ as I have said earlier which often worsens the condition resulting in more health complications.
Today we are coming in as an organization to provide means by which more of our people with these ailments can be reached through programmes like our community outreaches where we have provided free screening and medication to over 3000 Nigerians.
We all know there are significant health and economic gains attached to early detection, adequate treatment and good control of hypertension and diabetes than treating the complications of these ailments.
Through my organization, we have the vision of supporting the health and well being of our people through health education and enlightenment but it’s not what we can do alone as an organization we need like minded people like you to help us with your time, network, resources among others in achieving the following:
- To create awareness on the effect and management of hypertension and diabetes among our people with special interest among the low income/ less privileged members of our society
- To help increase the understanding among the communities especially the less privileged member of the communities battling with these ailments about its impact on their health
- To reduce the percentage of people with this disease significantly through our awareness, health education and community outreaches respectively with follow up on a great percentage of the people
- To provide people living with hypertension or diabetes with comprehensive information on the causes and management
- To provide our targeted audience with ongoing follow up information on hypertension and diabetes
- To reach a larger number of the communities with pamphlets, handbill, lecture in local dialect for clear and better understanding of what hypertension and diabetes are all about and how deadly it can become if not discovered and Managed on time.
- Discouraging people restoring to self –medication instead of seeking proper medical attention.
All of the above cannot be achieved without your efforts and contributions and that is why we are asking you to join us with all that you have in achieving these.
I am asking for whatever assistance you are ready to give as an individual and organization. Be your brother’s keeper; let us put an end to curtail the effects of these ailments among our people
Feb 15, 2026 | Healthy Tips
How diabetes and cancer are linked, why cancer survivors face diabetes risk, and what new-onset diabetes may reveal about hidden cancers.
By Justine Evans
Some facts about diabetes and cancer:
- Type 2 diabetes increases risk for certain cancers.
- Some cancer treatments may cause diabetes later.
- New-onset diabetes in older adults may signal hidden cancer.
- Screening and lifestyle changes can reduce risk.
- Research is exploring new diagnostic tools using these links.
If you’re living with diabetes, you might know all about the intriguing and intricate relationship between diabetes and certain types of cancer. And it’s not a one-way street — the connection goes both ways.
So, what does current research say about this bidirectional relationship? Why are some cancer survivors more likely to develop diabetes? And why is understanding the difference between new-onset and long-standing diabetes critical in cancer detection and care?
Which cancers are linked to diabetes?
It’s been known for some time that diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, can increase the risk of several types of cancer. But which cancers specifically?
According to a growing body of evidence, people with diabetes are more likely to develop pancreatic, liver, colorectal, breast and endometrial cancers. Why these cancers in particular? Different factors may be at play:
- People with type 2 diabetes often have higher circulating insulin levels, which may promote the growth of cancer cells.
- Long-term low-grade inflammation, common in diabetes, can create an environment in the body that’s more vulnerable to cancer development.
- Persistently high glucose levels may not only damage blood vessels and organs but also contribute to tumour growth.
A 2025 review in Seminars in Oncology outlines these mechanisms in detail, underscoring that this isn’t just correlation butthe risk that there’s a plausible biological basis linking diabetes to cancer risk.
It’s been known for some time that diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, can increase the risk of several types of cancer. But which cancers specifically?
The gender gap in diabetes-related cancer risk
Diabetes doesn’t affect everyone’s cancer risk in the same way. In fact, research shows that women with diabetes tend to have a higher overall risk of developing cancer than men with diabetes. Across many different cancer types, the relative increase in cancer risk associated with diabetes was greater in women. Importantly, this wasn’t limited to a single cancer. Instead, diabetes appeared to place a broader cancer burden on women overall.
So why might this difference exist? The answer is likely complex and involves a mix of biological and lifestyle factors. Many of the risk factors shared by diabetes and cancer, such as excess body weight, physical inactivity and smoking, can worsen insulin resistance and promote long-term inflammation in the body.
These changes can also disrupt hormone regulation, all of which are processes linked to cancer development. Some evidence suggests that these metabolic and lifestyle effects may be more pronounced, or persist for longer, in women with diabetes. Over time, this may help explain why women experience a greater relative increase in cancer risk compared with men, even when both are living with the same condition.
Can cancer treatments cause diabetes?
Interestingly, the relationship works the other way, too. People who have survived cancer, particularly those treated with certain therapies, are at greater risk of developing new-onset diabetes after cancer.
A recent article published in Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2024) explored how cancer treatments, while life-saving, can disrupt glucose metabolism in various ways. Here are a few examples:
- Chemotherapy and corticosteroids, often used to manage cancer or treatment side effects, can cause spikes in blood sugar.
• Androgen deprivation therapy (used in prostate cancer) has been associated with insulin resistance.
• Abdominal radiation, particularly in children and young adults, can damage the pancreas, impairing insulin production.
This risk is beyond a simple short-term issue during treatment. For many survivors, diabetes may not appear until months or even years later. And because cancer follow-up typically focuses on recurrence and surveillance imaging, blood glucose levels might not be closely monitored unless there’s a specific concern.
People who have survived cancer, particularly those treated with certain therapies, are at greater risk of developing new-onset diabetes after cancer
It’s not just a case of better detection
You might ask whether there is simply an increase in diabetes and cancer diagnoses because we’re looking more closely. After all, both conditions are common, and frequent medical visits often lead to more testing. But experts now agree this is more than just detection bias. A growing number of studies demonstrate a biologically plausible connection between the two conditions.
For instance, shared risk factors, such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and inflammation, as well as treatment-related effects that support this real, bidirectional link. Although these shared risk factors present a more complex picture, the association between diabetes and certain cancers remains.
That means clinicians are not just diagnosing more people by chance. There is a real link that has clinical implications for diabetes management and cancer care.
New-onset vs long-standing diabetes: a new focus in research
Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Researchers are now focused on distinguishing new-onset diabetes, especially in older adults, as a potential early marker of underlying cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer.
Why pancreatic cancer? Because in many cases, new-onset diabetes can precede the cancer diagnosis. The pancreas is central to both insulin production and tumour development, and a pancreatic tumour can impair insulin secretion, sometimes months before the cancer is detected.
So, while long-standing diabetes may increase the risk of developing certain cancers over time, sudden-onset diabetes, especially in someone with no history of obesity or insulin resistance, could be a red flag. This is especially important because pancreatic cancer often presents late and has poor survival outcomes. Early detection can make a big difference.
In fact, healthcare systems are exploring screening programmes that use new-onset diabetes in people over 50 as a trigger to investigate for pancreatic cancer. It’s a promising area of research that could lead to earlier diagnoses and better outcomes.
Sudden-onset diabetes, especially in someone with no history of obesity or insulin resistance, could be a red flag
What does this mean for people living with diabetes or cancer?
Understanding this bidirectional relationship matters for individuals and healthcare providers.
- If you have diabetes: Regular cancer screenings, especially for colorectal, breast, and liver cancers, may be more relevant than ever. Maintaining good glycaemic control, staying active and managing weight could help reduce your risk.
- If you’re a cancer survivor: Keep an eye on your blood glucose levels, even years after treatment. If you were exposed to chemotherapy, steroids, radiation, or hormone therapy, you may have a higher chance of developing diabetes, and early diagnosis is key.
- If you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes in your 50s or older: Talk to your GP about whether further investigation might be needed, particularly if you don’t fit the type 2 diabetes profile. It might be nothing, but it’s worth checking.
What’s next in research?
The complex interaction between diabetes and cancer is now one of the most dynamic areas of medical research. With a better understanding, there’s hope that:
- Cancer therapies are refined to reduce metabolic side effects.
- New-onset diabetes can serve as a valuable biomarker for early cancer detection.
- Strategies are developed to prevent diabetes in cancer survivors through tailored screening and lifestyle support.
It’s a reminder that in medicine, everything is connected, and sometimes the clues to one condition or disease lie in the symptoms or progression of another.
In medicine, everything is connected, and sometimes the clues to one condition or disease lie in the symptoms or progression of another.
Should people with diabetes be alarmed?
Living with diabetes doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop cancer, and not all cancer survivors will go on to develop diabetes. But recognising the links between these conditions can empower you to take preventive action, ask informed questions, and work with your healthcare team for more personalised care.
After all, the more we understand how diseases interact, the better we can treat and prevent them.
https://diabetesvoice.org/en/caring-for-diabetes/diabetes-and-cancer-whats-the-real-connection/?mc_cid=0daf1860af&mc_eid=50b74717d8
Feb 14, 2026 | Healthy Tips
Anita Sabidi
The myth of the supermom: embracing vulnerability with Type 1 Diabetes
Motherhood is often painted as a story of strength, resilience, and endless sacrifice. As mothers, we are expected to be the pillars of our families—the ones who hold everything together no matter what. But living with Type 1 diabetes for more than two decades has taught me that being a mother does not mean being invincible. In fact, one of the most valuable lessons I’ve been able to share with my children is that their mama is not a superwoman. I can be strong, yes, but I can also be vulnerable. And that’s okay.
Type 1 Diabetes is a family affair: when daily rituals become childhood memories
Every day with diabetes is a balancing act. Managing insulin, blood sugar checks, and the unpredictability of the condition can feel like carrying an invisible load. Yet this journey is not mine alone—it has become a family affair. My children have grown up witnessing my daily rituals with insulin injections and blood glucose monitoring. What might seem routine to me is part of their childhood memories, shaping how they understand care, responsibility, and empathy.
“Cover mama!”: how my kids became my little bodyguards
One of the sweetest moments happens whenever it’s time for my insulin shot in public. Without being asked, my kids instinctively take position around me, shielding me from curious stares. “Cover Mama!” they say, forming a protective circle as I inject. In those little moments, I see their love, their awareness, and their willingness to step into the role of supporters. They are my little bodyguards, and I treasure that more than words can describe.
Why sharing my needs is a lesson in strength, not a burden
Some might think children shouldn’t have to carry that kind of responsibility. But I see it differently. By sharing my vulnerabilities with them, I am teaching them important lessons about life: that strength is not about pretending to be unbreakable, but about acknowledging our needs and asking for support. That caring for one another is not a burden, but an act of love.
Authenticity over perfection: what my children taught me about Type 1 Diabetes resilience
Motherhood with diabetes has also shown me that I don’t have to live up to the impossible standard of being a superwoman. My kids don’t need perfection; they need authenticity. They need to see that it’s human to struggle, to adapt, and to keep going despite the challenges. They need to know that resilience comes not from denying vulnerability, but from embracing it.
So yes, I am a mother living with diabetes. I am a caregiver, but I am also someone who needs care. And in this shared journey, my children and I are learning together—that family is not about one person carrying it all, but about supporting each other through life’s highs and lows.
Conclusion
In the end, I hope my children grow up knowing this truth: that their mama’s greatest strength is not being superhuman but being real.
https://hellotype1.com/en/articles/motherhood-and-type-1-diabetes-why-showing-vulnerability-made-me-a-stronger-mom
Feb 14, 2026 | Healthy Foods
At Rays of Hope Support Initiative, our mission is to empower our community with the knowledge needed to live healthier, longer lives. Recently, scientific studies have raised alarms regarding a common sugar-free sweetener: erythritol.
For years, sugar-free sweeteners have been marketed as the guilt-free path to enjoying sweetness without consequences. Millions have switched to these alternatives, believing they are making the healthier choice for themselves and their families. However, emerging research now casts a shadow over this assumption, particularly regarding one of the most common sugar substitutes found in thousands of products worldwide.
Recent studies have revealed that certain artificial sweeteners—specifically those belonging to the sugar alcohol family—may accumulate in the liver rather than passing through the body as once believed. This accumulation appears to be linked to an increased risk of liver damage, fatty liver disease, and potential long-term hepatic complications.
For communities already facing health disparities, limited access to healthcare, and higher rates of metabolic conditions, this information is not just concerning—it is a call to action. This article aims to unpack what this means, examine the benefits and risks, and outline the responsibilities we all share in addressing this emerging public health concern.
What Is Sugar-Free Sweeteners, and Which One Is Under Scrutiny?
Sugar-free sweeteners encompass a broad category of substances used to sweeten foods and beverages without adding caloric sugar. They include:
- Artificial sweeteners: aspartame, sucralose, saccharin
- Natural zero-calorie sweeteners: stevia, monk fruit
- Sugar alcohols (polyols): Erythritol, xylitol, sorbitol, maltitol
The primary concern emerging from recent research centres on erythritol, a sugar alcohol that has become extraordinarily popular in keto, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly products. Erythritol occurs naturally in small amounts in fruits like watermelon and pears, but the version used in commercial products is manufactured through industrial fermentation.
Unlike other sugar alcohols that can cause digestive distress, erythritol was long celebrated because it is absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted unchanged in urine—or so scientists believed.
What the Research Actually Shows
A 2023 study published in Nature Medicine by Dr Stanley Hazen and his team at the Cleveland Clinic made a startling discovery: individuals with higher blood levels of erythritol were at significantly elevated risk for major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke.
But the liver connection has emerged through additional research examining how the body processes erythritol. Key findings include:
Accumulation, Not Elimination
While the body does excrete much of the consumed erythritol through urine, a portion appears to be taken up by liver tissue. In animal models and human tissue studies, erythritol has been detected in liver cells at concerning levels following regular consumption.
Metabolic Disruption
Erythritol appears to interfere with normal liver metabolism. It may promote oxidative stress—a form of cellular damage—and contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition already reaching epidemic proportions globally.
Platelet Activation
Beyond the liver, erythritol has been shown to enhance platelet activation and clot formation, creating a dangerous combination where both cardiovascular and liver health are compromised.
Dose-Dependent Risk
The risk appears to increase with consumption. Individuals consuming multiple servings daily of products sweetened with erythritol showed significantly higher blood levels than those who consumed it occasionally.
The Merits: Why Erythritol Became So Popular
Understanding why erythritol gained such widespread acceptance helps explain why this news is both alarming and complicated.
For Individual Consumers
Blood Sugar Management: Erythritol does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels, making it genuinely valuable for diabetics and those managing metabolic syndrome.
Dental Health: Unlike sugar, erythritol does not feed cavity-causing bacteria. Some studies suggest it may even inhibit bacterial growth.
Digestive Tolerance: Unlike other sugar alcohols (sorbitol, maltitol), erythritol is less likely to cause gas, bloating, and diarrhoea because most is absorbed before reaching the colon.
Taste Profile: Erythritol provides about 70% of sugar’s sweetness with a taste and texture closer to sugar than many artificial sweeteners.
For Food Manufacturers
Bulk and Texture: Erythritol adds bulk and crystalline structure similar to sugar, making it valuable in baking.
Shelf Stability: It does not degrade under heat like some artificial sweeteners.
Clean Label Appeal: Derived from fermented glucose, it can be marketed as “natural” or “plant-based”.
Market Demand: With the explosion of keto and low-carb diets, manufacturers rushed to meet consumer demand for products that taste sweet without carbs or calories.
The Demerits: The Emerging Case Against Erythritol
The accumulating evidence demands we reconsider whether the benefits outweigh the newly discovered risks.
Health Risks
Liver Damage Potential: The most concerning finding for our community is the evidence that erythritol accumulates in liver tissue. Animal studies have demonstrated that high consumption leads to increased liver fat, inflammation, and markers of liver injury.
Cardiovascular Events: The Cleveland Clinic research found that individuals with the highest erythritol levels had double the risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those with the lowest levels.
Weight Management Irony: While erythritol contains no calories, emerging research on artificial sweeteners suggests they may disrupt the body’s natural ability to gauge caloric intake, potentially leading to increased overall consumption.
Unknown Long-Term Effects: Erythritol has only been widely used in significant quantities for about a decade. We do not know the effects of 20, 30, or 40 years of daily consumption.
Social and Access Concerns
Health Halo Effect: Products sweetened with erythritol are marketed as health foods, leading consumers to believe they are making an unambiguously positive choice.
Cost Barrier: Sugar-free products typically cost more than their conventional counterparts, placing financial burden on families trying to make healthier choices.
Limited Alternatives: As erythritol has become ubiquitous in sugar-free products, consumers have fewer options to avoid it while still avoiding sugar.
Confusing Labels: Erythritol may appear on ingredient lists under multiple names or be grouped under “sugar alcohols” without specific identification
Community Response: What We Can Do Together
The Rays of Hope community has always understood that health is not merely individual—it is collective. When new information emerges that threatens our wellbeing, we respond together.
Individual and Family Actions
Read Labels Diligently
Erythritol appears in protein bars, sugar-free chocolates, ice cream, baked goods, beverages, and even some condiments. Look specifically for “erythritol” in ingredient lists.
Distinguish Between Sweeteners
Not all sugar-free sweeteners carry the same risk. Stevia and monk fruit have not shown similar concerns. Consider rotating back toward these options or moderate amounts of natural sugar.
Reduce Frequency, Not Just Quantity
The research suggests risk is tied to regular, ongoing consumption. Using erythritol-sweetened products occasionally for special treats presents lower risk than daily consumption.
Focus on Whole Foods
The simplest way to avoid questionable additives is to prioritize foods that don’t require ingredient lists. Fresh fruit, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains contain no hidden erythritol.
Share Information Gently
Many community members switched to erythritol products on medical advice for diabetes or weight management. Approach conversations with compassion, not judgment.
Community-Based Strategies
Community Nutrition Workshops: Rays of Hope can organize sessions teaching label reading and identifying hidden sources of erythritol.
Peer Support Networks: Establish groups for sharing sugar-free alternatives that don’t rely on concerning sweeteners.
Local Vendor Engagement: Work with local stores and markets to help them understand why customers need clear labelling and alternative options.
Recipe Development: Create and share culturally appropriate recipes using safer sweetening options that respect dietary restrictions while protecting liver health.
Civil Society Organization Role: Advocacy and Education
As a CSO, Rays of Hope is positioned to bridge the gap between emerging research and community action. Our role extends beyond informing our immediate members to advocating for systemic change.
Educational Mission
Translate Complex Science: The research on erythritol is technical and often locked behind paywalls. Our responsibility is to translate this information into accessible, actionable knowledge.
Counteract Misinformation: The wellness industry has heavily promoted erythritol. We must provide balanced, evidence-based information that neither dismisses legitimate concerns nor causes panic.
Train Community Health Workers: Equip trusted community members with accurate information they can share in churches, mosques, community centres, and family gatherings.
Advocacy Agenda
Demand Transparency: Call on manufacturers to clearly label erythritol content rather than hiding it under umbrella terms.
Push for Updated Dietary Guidelines: Current dietary guidelines do not address erythritol consumption limits. CSOs can petition for their inclusion.
Fund Community-Based Research: Advocate for research that specifically examines how erythritol affects populations already at higher risk for liver and metabolic disease.
Create Consumer Guides: Develop and distribute easy-to-use guides comparing sweeteners with clear visual indicators of risk levels.
Government Response: Protecting Public Health
Governments at all levels have a fundamental responsibility to protect citizens from preventable harm, particularly when that harm originates from products widely available in the food supply.
Regulatory Actions Needed
Immediate Safety Review: Health agencies should conduct expedited reviews of all available evidence on erythritol and issue interim guidance while longer-term studies proceed.
Mandatory Labelling: Require clear, prominent labelling of erythritol content. Consumers cannot make informed choices when ingredients are obscured.
Serving Size Revaluation: Many products contain multiple servings of erythritol per package, but consumers often consume the entire package. Regulations should consider realistic consumption patterns.
Health Claims Regulation: Prohibit marketing that positions erythritol-sweetened products as unambiguously healthy given the emerging evidence of risk.
Public Health Infrastructure
Surveillance Systems: Incorporate erythritol consumption tracking into national nutrition and health monitoring systems.
Research Funding: Allocate resources specifically for independent research on sugar alcohols and liver health, free from industry influence.
Vulnerable Population Protection: Develop specific guidance for populations at elevated risk, including those with existing liver conditions, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
School and Institutional Policies: Review and revise nutrition standards for schools, hospitals, and other public institutions to limit erythritol exposure in vulnerable populations.
Lawmakers’ Role: Legislation for Prevention
Elected officials have tools at their disposal that can address this issue before it becomes a full-blown public health crisis. The lesson of tobacco, trans fats, and partially hydrogenated oils is clear: waiting for absolute certainty costs lives.
Legislative Priorities
The Sweetener Transparency Act: Legislation requiring that all sugar alcohols be individually named on ingredient labels rather than grouped. Consumers deserve to know exactly which sweeteners they are consuming.
Post-Market Surveillance Mandate: Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, food additives receive limited ongoing safety monitoring once approved. Lawmakers can mandate regular safety reviews as new evidence emerges.
Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Require disclosure of industry funding in research used to support health claims or safety petitions.
Healthy Food Incentives: Redirect subsidies and support toward whole foods and minimally processed options rather than ultra-processed “diet” products.
Oversight Responsibilities
Congressional Hearings: Hold hearings examining the adequacy of current food additive safety processes, specifically regarding sugar alcohols approved decades ago under different standards.
Agency Accountability: Demand that the FDA explain why emerging evidence on erythritol has not resulted in consumer advisories or regulatory action.
Whistleblower Protection: Strengthen protections for scientists and public health officials who raise concerns about food additive safety.
Balancing Caution Without Panic
It is essential to approach this information with nuance. For a person with diabetes who uses erythritol-sweetened products occasionally to satisfy a sweet craving, the risk remains low. For someone consuming multiple servings daily of protein bars, keto snacks, and sugar-free beverages sweetened with erythritol, the cumulative risk may be substantial.
We must also recognise that sugar itself carries well-documented health risks, including liver damage through fructose metabolism. The solution is not simply returning to unrestricted sugar consumption.
The path forward requires:
- Informed moderation rather than absolute prohibition
- Diversification of sweetener sources rather than over-reliance on any single option
- Whole food emphasis rather than additive substitution
- Systemic change rather than placing the full burden on individual consumers
Conclusion: From Information to Action
The emerging evidence linking erythritol to liver damage and cardiovascular risk represents a critical moment for our community and for public health advocacy. We have seen this pattern before—a substance is introduced, marketed as healthier than what came before, widely adopted, and only later revealed to carry its own serious risks.
What distinguishes this moment is what we choose to do with the information.
Rays of Hope has always been more than a source of information—we are a source of action. We inform so that we can protect. We educate so that we can empower. We advocate so that the most vulnerable among us are not left to navigate these complex decisions alone.
To our community members: Read labels, ask questions, share what you learn, and be gentle with yourselves and each other. No one made the wrong choice with the information they had.
To our CSO partners: Amplify this message, push for transparency, and hold industry and government accountable to the communities they serve.
To our government officials: Act on the evidence we have rather than waiting for absolute certainty. Issue guidance, mandate clear labelling, and fund the research we still need.
To our lawmakers: Create the legislative framework that ensures food safety systems keep pace with industry innovation and protect public health above corporate interests.
The sweetness we crave should not come at the cost of our liver’s health or our community’s wellbeing. Together, we can advocate for a food environment where health is not a luxury, information is not a privilege, and prevention is not an afterthought.
For more information or to get involved in our food safety advocacy work, contact Rays of Hope Support Initiative at [contact information] or visit our community health resource centre.
Remember! This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult healthcare providers regarding individual dietary decisions.
Nov 14, 2025 | News
Benjamin Olorunfemi.
November 14th marks World Diabetes Day (WDD), a global awareness campaign led by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This year’s theme, “Diabetes and Well-being”, focuses on the impact of diabetes in the workplace, with the slogan “Know more and do more for diabetes at work.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 830 million people worldwide live with diabetes, with the prevalence increasing rapidly, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, an estimated 3.6 to 11 million adults have diabetes, with over 54% remaining undiagnosed.
Millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition in the workplace, including stigma, discrimination, and exclusion, which negatively impact their well-being. Research has shown that:
– 7 to 10 people living with diabetes are of working age.
– 3 to 4 people living with diabetes experience anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition due to their diabetes.
– 4 to 5 people living with diabetes experience diabetes burnout
As we mark WDD 2025, we urge the global community and employers to support people living with diabetes and those at risk in the workplace. We encourage everyone to “know more and do more” to promote diabetes awareness, prevention, and management.
Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) invites you to join us in raising awareness and advocating for diabetes. Participate in a diabetes walk, organise a community event, or support organisations providing essential services to people living with diabetes.
Take action today:
– Learn more about diabetes and its impact on well-being.
– Support diabetes awareness initiatives
– Encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles
– Advocate for inclusive and supportive workplaces
Your health and well-being matter. Join us in creating a world where people living with diabetes can thrive. If you are unsure of your diabetes status, we encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider. Together, we can create a better DiabetesLife.
Oct 1, 2025 | News
Benjamin Olorunfemi
As we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day, I envision a nation where every citizen has access to quality healthcare, regardless of economic status, geographic location, tribe, or language. A Nigeria where leaders genuinely prioritise the health and well-being of their citizens, recognising that a healthy populace is fundamental to the country’s future.
I envision a Nigeria where citizens can access essential healthcare services without facing financial hardship. This is known to be possible through a well-structured healthcare system that is robust and available at all levels, from local community clinics to tertiary institutions.
In this country of mine (Nigeria), non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer will not be subjects of debate but conditions that are easily and early detected and managed effectively to prevent complications and premature deaths. Where the cost of medication will be affordable for all citizens, encouraging them to seek medical attention when needed and consistently adhere to their treatment plans.
I foresee a nation where health policies are designed to make a tangible, positive impact on citizens’ lives, moving beyond mere existence on paper. Where policymakers and the government will demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the healthcare needs of citizens, setting aside personal interests.
A noble country where citizens prioritise their own health by making informed choices about their diet, lifestyle, and healthcare-seeking behaviours.
My country will boast modern, well-equipped healthcare facilities that not only provide quality care to citizens but also become a source of health tourism. Furthermore, I can see a country where citizens will have access to reliable, empowering health information that enables them to make informed decisions about their well-being.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, I see my country becoming a beacon of hope for healthcare in Africa, attracting global recognition. A Nigeria where NCDs, like other health issues, are no longer a leading cause of death, and citizens live healthy, productive lives. This is my dream for Nigeria as we celebrate our independence.
Happy Independence Day to every Nigerian!
