South-west Nigeria Faces High Goitre Burden, Outreach Reports

The Jennifer Etuh Foundation outreach reported that South-west Nigeria has the second-highest burden of goitre, with a prevalence rate of 29%, while Osun State ranks third in the region at 24%. Research indicates that women are six times more likely to be affected, particularly those aged 30 to 49, leading to debilitating symptoms.

During the outreach in Ifewara, over 90% of thyroidectomy patients were females within this age range. The event provided free medical treatment to 3,194 patients, with 9,601 interventions conducted at the Ifewara Medical Centre in Atakumansa West Local Government Area.

The outreach lasted five days, serving 1,081 male and 2,110 female patients. Dr.

Anjolaoluwa Idowu, Project Coordinator at Pro-Health International, stated that the outreach exceeded its goal of reaching 3,000 patients. The initiative included comprehensive medical services and involved over 120 medical personnel.

Mrs. Christiana Afolayan, Program Officer at the Jennifer Etuh Foundation, emphasized the outreach's aim to raise awareness about goitre prevention and treatment.