By Victor Lewis
The third phase of the Dafinone Free Diabetes Sensitization and Testing Medical Outreach has brought relief and renewed awareness to residents of Isiokolo, headquarters of Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The exercise, held over the weekend in partnership with the National Health Fellows, attracted a large number of residents who benefited from free diabetes screening, blood pressure checks, and medical consultations. Many participants described the programme as a “timely intervention” in a community where access to quality healthcare remains limited.
Speaking during the event, the Ethiope East coordinating officer, Mr. Peter Omehawe, said diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Nigeria and globally. He explained that the disease affects how the body processes sugar, which serves as the main source of energy for human cells.
“Diabetes is not just a big man’s sickness. It cuts across age, gender, and class. Sadly, many people don’t know they have it until it becomes too late”, he explained.
He stressed the importance of regular screening, proper education, and lifestyle adjustments in tackling the growing number of undiagnosed cases. Omehawe also explained the two major types of diabetes — Type 1, which commonly develops in children and young adults whose bodies cannot produce insulin, and Type 2, which occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or use it properly.
“If left unmanaged, the diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney disease, heart problems, stroke, or even limb amputation”, he warned.
Medical experts at the outreach conducted health talks on diet, exercise, and the dangers of self-medication, while volunteers moved from one participant to another, interpreting test results and providing guidance. Several residents with high blood sugar levels were referred to nearby hospitals for further management, while others received counselling on maintaining healthy lifestyles.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Felicia Okorie, expressed gratitude for the initiative as she said: “This is my first time checking my blood sugar. I’ve been feeling dizzy for weeks, and now I know it’s not something to ignore.”
Mr. Omehawe commended Senator Ede Dafinone, representing Delta Central Senatorial District, for sponsoring the free medical programme. He described the lawmaker as “a leader whose name is synonymous with service, integrity, and impact,” adding that “the outreach reflects Senator Dafinone’s long-standing commitment to bringing healthcare closer to the grassroots.”
“Coming from the highly respected Dafinone family of Sapele, Senator Dafinone has continued a legacy of excellence while carving his own path as a voice for the people”, adding that “his belief is simple; access to healthcare should not depend on social status.”
Organizers revealed that the next phase of the medical outreach will move to other parts of Delta Central in the coming weeks.
For many in Isiokolo, the outreach went beyond medical testing — it was a demonstration of compassionate leadership. As one elderly participant remarked:
“We may not meet the senator in person, but through this programme, he has touched our lives.”
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