Editor
In celebration of its third anniversary, the Maden Healthcare Foundation (MHF), in collaboration with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) National Outreach Committee has implemented a nationwide School Health Program aimed at improving student well-being across Nigeria.
Theme: “A Healthier School Today. A Prosperous Nation Tomorrow”
The initiative, which spanned the month of November, focused on promoting health awareness, disease prevention, and overall well-being among students. It emphasized the critical role of a healthy learning environment in driving national development.
States Reached
The program impacted schools in 26 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Anambra, Abia, Borno, Bayelsa, Benue, Delta, Edo, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kogi, Kano, Kebbi, Kwara, Lagos, Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Program Highlights
The campaign featured various activities tailored to meet the health needs of students and teachers, including:
Health Education: Sessions on hygiene (personal, hand, menstrual, oral), nutrition, mental well-being, and basic first aid.
Self-Esteem Talks: Specially designed to boost confidence, particularly among female students during their menstrual cycles.
Workshops for Teachers: Training sessions on basic first aid to prepare educators for emergencies.
Vaccination Drives and Distributions: Provision of MHF emergency menstrual hygiene kits, first aid kits, oral hygiene packs, and educational materials such as posters on menstrual hygiene, first aid, hand hygiene, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
These activities were supported by health professionals, school administrators, and volunteers, earning widespread commendation for their practical and sustainable approach to student health.
Voices from the Initiative
Dr. Eseoghene Agbatutu, Founder of Maden Healthcare Foundation, expressed her pride in the program’s success:
“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 the MWAN National Outreach Committee, emphasized the power of collaboration:
“This program is a testament to the impact of partnerships in addressing critical healthcare needs. By equipping schools and communities with the right tools and knowledge, we are building a healthier, stronger generation.”
Positive Impact and Future Plans
The collaboration between MHF and MWAN highlights a shared commitment to improving healthcare access and awareness among vulnerable populations, particularly children. The success of the inaugural School Health Program has inspired plans for future collaborations to sustain efforts in enhancing the health of Nigerian students.
Both organizations are optimistic that this initiative will spark similar programs nationwide and reinforce the message that investing in children’s health today ensures a wealthier, healthier nation tomorrow.
MHF and MWAN remain steadfast in their mission to foster a healthier Nigeria, starting with its youngest citizens.
