Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Otun Abese Medical Outreach 2025

Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Otun Abese Medical Outreach 2025

 

 

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.

Rays Of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Joins The World In Marking World No Tobacco Day 2025 “Unmasking The Appeal”

Rays Of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) Joins The World In Marking World No Tobacco Day 2025 “Unmasking The Appeal”

Every year on May 31, the world observes World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), a global initiative led by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use and advocate for stronger policies to reduce its consumption. This year’s theme, “Unmasking the Appeal”, focuses on the deceptive strategies employed by the tobacco and nicotine industries to attract new users, particularly young people.

As a leading non-communicable diseases (NCDs) support organisation based in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) stands with the global community in amplifying the call for tobacco control, public health protection, and policy enforcement.

The global tobacco epidemic is a formidable threat, claiming over 8 million lives annually worldwide. Of these, more than 7 million deaths are a direct result of tobacco use, while an alarming 1.3 million deaths are due to non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke. This exposure is a critical concern for ROHSI, as it also significantly increases the risk of NCDs in non-smokers.

In Nigeria, the situation is alarming:

  • 3.4 million Nigerians (2.9% of adults aged 15+) smoke tobacco (2022 data).
  • Male smokers (5.4%) far outnumber female smokers (0.4%).
  • Tobacco-related diseases – cancer, heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and stroke – place a heavy burden on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
  • Economic losses from tobacco-related illnesses and productivity decline further strain families and the nation.

While reports, such as one from the Tribune newspaper, suggest higher smoking prevalence in some northern states, ROHSI emphasises that tobacco use and its link to NCDs is a pressing issue across all regions, including Oyo State.

At ROHSI, we see firsthand the devastating impact of tobacco on individuals and families affected by NCDs here in Ibadan and across Nigeria.

This World No Tobacco Day, under the theme ‘Unmasking the appeal’, we urge a united front to expose the tobacco industry’s tactics that endanger our youth and perpetuate the cycle of NCDs. The first and most crucial step towards a healthier life, free from the threat of many NCDs, is to say NO to tobacco.

ROHSI encourages every Nigerian to reflect on the popular calls to action: “Breathe clean, live green. Quit tobacco today.”

The ROHSI team challenges every individual in Ibadan, Oyo State, and throughout Nigeria to consider making this powerful pledge: “Today, I am pledging to quit all forms of tobacco and nicotine, including cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products, heated tobacco products, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, shisha, and other harmful products, for my health and the health of my community.”

Join us in educating others on the dangers of tobacco and industry tactics, support smoke-free policies in workplaces, schools, and public spaces, advocate for stronger tobacco control laws in Nigeria, and help promote cessation programmes through counselling and support.

Together, we can unmask the truth and build a healthier, tobacco-free Nigeria!

About ROHSI:

Rays of Hope Support Initiative (ROHSI) is a Nigerian non-profit organisation based in Ibadan, Oyo State, dedicated to combating non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through awareness, advocacy, and community support programmes.

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