Health

Overview

Our Health Initiative  focuses on four key areas;

1. Eye Health

2. Public Health

3. Cervical Screenings

4. Breast Cancer Screenings

EYE HEALTH

Empowering Communities Through Eye Health: A Legacy of Care

Since 2016, our NGO has been at the forefront of improving eye health in underprivileged south south communities, providing essential medical services to those with limited access to healthcare. In partnership with Pristine Eye Care, our outreach programs have touched thousands of lives, offering free comprehensive eye exams, free glasses, and critical follow-up care. Our most recent outreach in 2024 continued this legacy, reaching 428 individuals with comprehensive eye care services, free glasses. We recognize that healthy vision plays a crucial role in education, employment, and overall quality of life, and that’s why our mission is centered on making eye care accessible to all, regardless of financial or geographical barriers.

We fully understand that eye care doesnt end after one visit. For every individual treated, we offered a free two-month follow-up in partnership with Pristine Eye Care, ensuring that patients received the support they needed to maintain or improve their vision. This continued care is a key part of our strategy to make lasting, positive impacts in the communities we serve.As we look toward the future, we are taking a significant step forward by offering free surgeries to those in need. Eye conditions like cataracts and other treatable diseases can cause irreversible damage if left unaddressed. By providing surgical interventions, we are making sure that more people can regain or preserve their sight, improving their quality of life and independence.

Our commitment to eye health is part of a larger vision to foster independence and sustainability in underdeveloped regions. Through our ongoing outreach programs, we not only provide immediate health services but also empower communities by enhancing their capacity to thrive.

Looking ahead, our NGO is dedicated to expanding these services to reach even more people in need together, with the support of partners.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Public health in southern Nigeria faces a myriad of challenges, including limited access to healthcare, poverty amongst others contribute to these health disparities, affecting the overall well-being of communities. At PLEA Foundation, weare committed to addressing these challenges through targeted interventions. Our initiatives include:

• Laboratory Screenings: We take a proactive approach crucial for preventing disease progression and improving health outcomes.
• Health Talks: Education is a powerful tool in public health. Our health talks focus on raising awareness about preventable diseases, proper hygiene practices, and the importance of regular health check-ups.
• Distribution of Mosquito Nets: To combat malaria, we provide free mosquito nets to vulnerable families. This simple yet effective measure significantly reduces the risk of malaria transmission, contributing to improved health and well-being.

Our work is vital in promoting public health in southern Nigeria. By addressing immediate health needs and equipping communities with knowledge, we strive to create healthier communities.

CERVICAL SCREENINGS

Cervical cancer is a major issue,  despite being one of the most preventable types of cancer. It affects approximately 18.4% out of 100,000 women and in Nigeria, around 12,075 new cases are diagnosed each year. This makes cervical cancer the second deadliest cancer in the country, following breast cancer.  The primary cause of cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. Although HPV is widespread, persistent infection with certain high-risk strains can lead to the development of abnormal cells in the cervix, which may eventually progress to cancer if not detected and treated early.

In response to this pressing health challenge and following the World Health Organization's call to action, the PLEA Foundation is dedicated to combating cervical cancer through proactive measures. The foundation focuses on carrying out cervical screenings , also known as Pap smears in underserved communities, cervical screenings are crucial for early detection of abnormal cells in the cervix, which may indicate the potential for developing cervical cancer. By identifying these abnormal cells early, there can be prompt intervention and appropriate treatment before the condition progresses to cancer. This early intervention is vital because it allows for timely treatment, which significantly lowers the risks and improves the chances of successful outcomes.

BREAST CANCER SCREENINGS

Breast cancer poses a significant health threat in Nigeria, ranking among the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria reports approximately 40,000 new cases each year, with many diagnoses occurring at advanced stages due to late detection. The situation is particularly dire for underprivileged women in rural areas, who often lack access to essential healthcare services and awareness about breast cancer.

Many women in low-income communities face barriers to affordable screenings and treatments. Our foundation is committed to addressing these challenges by providing vital resources and education to women across Nigeria. We offer free breast cancer screenings and distribute educational materials that emphasize both treatment options and preventative measures.

Our programs are designed to empower women with knowledge about self-examinations and the importance of regular screenings. We teach them how to recognize early warning signs of breast cancer and provide valuable information about lifestyle choices that can help reduce risk. Topics such as maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances are integral to our educational outreach.

The path to breast cancer treatment involves several critical steps. It begins with self-examinations and routine screenings to detect any abnormalities. If a lump is found, women are encouraged to seek medical advice for diagnostic tests like mammograms and biopsies. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

By humanizing the issue of breast cancer, we aim to foster a sense of community and support. Every woman deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of her socioeconomic status. Our foundation is dedicated to changing the narrative surrounding breast cancer in Nigeria, empowering women to take charge of their health and seek assistance when needed. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in the fight against breast cancer, ensuring that no woman faces this battle alone.

Services Offered

1. Vision Screenings
   - Regular eye exams and vision screenings are critical for early detection of eye conditions. We conduct extensive outreach programs to offer free or affordable vision screenings in remote and underserved areas.

2. Treatment of Eye Diseases
   - Our hospital treats a variety of eye diseases, including glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. We use advanced diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to manage these conditions effectively.

3. Surgical Interventions
   - We perform life-changing surgeries such as cataract removal, corneal transplants, and retinal repairs. These surgeries are often provided at low or no cost to patients who cannot afford them, helping restore sight and improve quality of life.

4. Pediatric Eye Care
   - We offer specialized eye care services for children, addressing issues such as amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and congenital cataracts. Early intervention is key to preventing lifelong vision problems.

5. Outreach and Education
   - Our team conducts educational workshops and community outreach programs to raise awareness about eye health, prevention of eye diseases, and the importance of regular eye check-ups.