Stop Hypertension and Diabetes in its tracks

Health For All Naija (HFA) has a stated mission of providing basic healthcare with specific focus on Hypertension and Diabetes. The service is so important because of the high risk of complications that affect almost every organ in the body. Due to the wide reach of complications of Hypertension and Diabetes, they contribute immensely to morbidity and mortality. Disease management approach by maintenance care is the most effective way to limit the impact of both of these diseases on the population. To this aim, HFA has continued to have Monthly clinics where participants’ blood pressure and blood sugar are screened, and participants receive monthly supplies of their prescribed medications.
Prior to each Monthly clinic, participants receive reminder by text message and phone call. Attendance at the clinics is averaging 73 for the first three months of 2022, out of the 115 participants who were confirmed in June of 2021. Attendance has declined further this year as the economic circumstances of the people worsen. How can anything compare with survival. What is the motivation for promoting health when a person is hungry, when they're unsure where the next meal will come from, or when they can't pay the dues to the local groups that will bury them when they eventually die from hunger? These are likely the things that are prioritized over coming to the clinic. These coupled with the fact that the local purveyors of medications only treat these conditions on as needed basis.
Possible solutions to the present situation to improve attendance include intensifying outreach efforts and Volunteer staff education. A third option is providing other incentives like money, or food and water to take home. Each of these strategies will incur additional cost. Our average monthly costs are currently about $500, for staff stipend, and medications. Additional $50-$200/month can fund different aspects of the strategy to improve attendance. The incentives, especially providing something other than the medications will be very effective in improving attendance.

I want to thank you for your past support. I look forward to your support in our efforts to continue to provide this different approach to disease management in the community we serve and the practice of healthcare in general. Recurring donors gives us confidence in our ability to continue this lifesaving work. Please consider becoming a recurring donor.

Sincerely,
Nkeiruka Ugo.
Project Leader.

Hypertension and Diabetes are chronic diseases that are managed, and maintained but not cured. The levels can improve and normalize by various interventions, but that is not a cure because the levels will go back up if those interventions are not consistently maintained.  

Health For All is there for our clients year round. Our monthly clinics serve to maintain the blood sugar and blood pressure at optimal levels to prevent disease complications. Complications of Hypertension and Diabetes are problems our clients cannot afford because of the lack of access to adequate care. 

We plan to devote more time on Health education to teach our clients about thses complications, highlighting the stories of some persons who are  currently dealing with complications like Stroke,  kidney failure and undergoing Dialysis, Congestive Heart Failure, and Peripheral Vascular Disease and ulcers. 

Happy Holidays to you and yours. Please consider adding HFA to your giving list this year. Become a recurring donor. Your donation helps to provide sufficient amounts of appropriate medications, screening materials, and stipend for the staff. With adequate funding, we can provide basic blood tests to monitor medication effects on the organs of the body. 

Thanks for your continued support. Your feedback let's us know we still have your support and also motivates our ongoing  efforts to improve our services and increase our reach. 

Sincerely, 

Nkeiruka Ugo, project Leader.