Women get health care, cash in outreach
Non-Governmental organisation, Gbonse Foundation for Economic Development, has offered free medical checks and health sensitisation to women, as part of efforts to improve welfare of the underserved. The outreach, at
Non-Governmental organisation, Gbonse Foundation for Economic Development, has offered free medical checks and health sensitisation to women, as part of efforts to improve welfare of the underserved.
The outreach, at Ikotun Market, was attended by traders who got basic healthcare and guidance on healthy living.
Chief Executive Officer, Helen Olaniyan, said the foundation’s mission was to support underserved communities and empower citizens, particularly those at the lower socioeconomic ladder, towards reducing poverty and inequality.
She explained that the foundation targets women engaged in small businesses, as well as young girls seeking to further their education or acquire vocational skills.
Olaniyan said: “The foundation provides small, collateral-free loans to enable women to expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
“We finance women to boost businesses, and help the girl-child to study further. When you empower a girl-child, you empower the nation.
“Over 100 women benefited from the initiative, with loan starting from N40,000.”
She noted the programme began about six months ago.
Olaniyan said the intervention yielded positive results, with beneficiaries reporting growth in their businesses and improved living conditions.
She added beyond financial support, the foundation provides basic healthcare services, including blood pressure and blood sugar checks, weight monitoring, and health awareness education.
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“We are reaching out to them with health awareness, giving them advice on how to stay healthy, and providing basic medical checks. We give out simple medications for their daily needs,” she said.
Olaniyan saif only registered foundation members could access its services, noting participation is encouraging.
She said they also provide legal advice to members, with educational support for their children.
“We also help their children who want to further their education or learn a trade. We support them and follow up to ensure they succeed,” she said.
On loan monitoring, Olaniyan explained that the foundation deploys credit officers who regularly engage beneficiaries, particularly market women, to ensure proper utilisation of funds.
“Our officers meet them regularly to see how the money is being used and to ensure it serves the purpose it was meant for. If there is a default, we give them time and try to understand the problem.
“We are not here to stress them but to help them find solutions, which may include adjusting or diversifying their businesses,” she added.
Medical personnel present at the outreach conducted blood pressure screening, blood sugar testing, and provided health education, as well as referrals for cases requiring further attention.
