Avon Healthcare Limited has teamed up with AIESEC at the University of Lagos to run a two-day health drive focused on preventing illness and boosting blood donations among young Nigerians. The programme, called Uniwellness 3.0, combined blood collection with free health checks and counselling to catch common diseases early.
Blood donated during the exercise will go to Lagos University Teaching Hospital, where it's expected to help at least 255 patients needing emergency treatment, operations, maternal care and other critical medical support. Participants got free screening for high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease, as well as talks on mental health and sexual wellbeing.
Adeoye Falade, head of brand, marketing and communications at Avon HMO, said the drive shows why healthcare must focus on stopping disease before it starts. "Most of the health problems we see today—high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and heart conditions—can be prevented or managed better if caught early," he told reporters.
"Through Uniwellness, we're giving young people access to real health information, screenings and the chance to make smart choices about their health," Falade added. Health experts have long stressed that voluntary blood donation is vital to healthcare systems, especially for emergencies, surgery and pregnancy care.
They've also warned that many cases of high blood pressure, diabetes and kidney disease go undetected until serious problems develop, making regular check-ups essential. The outreach brought together students, young professionals and health workers to promote better living habits and encourage more people to give blood.
Avon HMO said the initiative fits its push to prevent illness by giving more people access to health education, regular screenings and community health programmes.
