By Philomina Attah
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Foundation (PSNF), has launched a new humanitarian outreach programme, targeting vulnerable women in underserved areas with health education and relief packages.
The initiative, which is the first of its kind by the foundation, began in Lugbe, Abuja, is aimed at increasing access to healthcare information and essential supplies where facilities are scarce.
Mr Munir Elelu, the Director of the PSNF and a Public Health Pharmacist, said that the project aligns with the organisation’s core mission.
“Our motto says, serving the vulnerable and then saving lives.” We’re here today to ensure that, yes, we give back to the society by trying to encourage these women who are here,” he said.
According to him, the outreach focuses on preventive health education, addressing common challenges faced by women in the community.
Elelu explained that the PSNF team delivered comprehensive talks on various health topics to the women to ensure they are well equipped with the information first before assistance.
He said that the choice of targeting women was strategic, as they are considered the most vulnerable group that anchors the stability of the home.
“We’re going to give talks on hygiene, personal hygiene. We’re going to give talk on nutrition, on using safe drugs, and also trying what they can do to avoid some side effects of the drugs they take.
“We are giving some foods because people need to be also well fed. Apart from being well fed, we are giving them some sanitary pads and then some OTC medicines. So it’s all a food package we’re giving them for today.
“Why women you may ask. We just feel that the women make the home, so to say, in every aspect. And they’re the most vulnerable. And so we need to also assist the women here,” he said.
Apart from the education sessions, the foundation distributed comprehensive relief packages to alleviate the participants’ immediate suffering.
The packages, he described as an all-round thing, included a variety of essentials designed to meet both nutritional and sanitary needs.
He further explained PSNF’s existing work, which involves supporting both government and private sectors in increasing access to primary healthcare services and family planning in communities.
This new initiative according to him marks the first direct humanitarian outreach of this nature.
Looking ahead, Elelu revealed plans for expansion beyond the current private sector focus, adding, “Subsequently we might go into the public sector and see how we can even assist the indigent patients in some of our big hospitals.”
Ms Ijeoma Nwankwo, Programme Manager of PSNF and a Pharmacist, highlighted the importance of menstrual hygiene awareness among women.
According to her, the PSNF organised the event to enlighten women on proper menstrual hygiene practices, emphasising that it’s a natural process tied to procreation.
Nwankwo explained that many women face challenges managing their menstrual cycles, which can be debilitating.
“The PSNF aims to provide a platform for women to learn about menstrual hygiene, reinforcing general hygiene and cleanliness.
“There’s nothing as too much information and encouraging women to learn and understand their bodies.
“As custodians of menstrual medicines, pharmacists play a vital role in guiding women on proper medication use,” she said.
Nwankwo warned against self-medication and drug misuse, emphasising the importance of understanding the effects of medicines on the body.
Bilkisu Saliu, a widow, expressed her gratitude to the foundation for their outreach programme, adding that the PSNF’s gesture was a surprise to her, and she felt blessed.
She said, she had lost her husband and was struggling to make ends meet, especially with her children’s school fees.
Saliu recounted how she received a call from the PSNF, informing her of the outreach programme.
Inspite of initial skepticism, she decided to attend and was overwhelmed with gratitude for the assistance.
While expressing her appreciation to the Foundation, She hopes that the organisation will continue to touch lives and bring joy to those in need.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Foundation is the humanitarian arm of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, implementing projects to reach out to communities and promote healthier living.
With a 10-member board of trustees, the foundation continues to support outreach programmes, recognising the need for healthcare services in Nigeria.(NAN)
Edited by Sadiya Hamza
