2024 Sigma Health Outreach

For the second time in a long time,the University of Ibadan Student Union Building (S.U.B) car park served a purpose other than transportation. On the 20th of April,2024, the University of Ibadan community witnessed another Health Outreach from the most prestigious Sigma Club,UI. The program was designed to bring free medical care to members of the University community many of whom were oblivious of their health status. The outreach was carried out in a central location so all could access it easily. It was important especially for people who usually had no time for these checks or had no means and access to quality and periodic medical check up.

Medical test going on at the outreach

On the early hours of the D-Day, canopies were already erected with seats arranged to create a comfortable atmosphere for attendees, volunteers and members of the club as they waited their turn for the various medical checks available.

Blood sugar test at the health outreach

Upon arrival,each person after an online registration was given a slip which would contain personal details such as age,sex,weight,height,body mass index (BMI) . As they moved from stand to stand the results from each test was recorded on the sheets. The stands were arranged to carry out checks on blood pressure,blood glucose levels,dental health and several other routine checks.

Loyal Sigmites registering attendees

In light of the little attention paid to mental health,the Sigma Health Outreach made sure to include a special stand for mental health awareness, therapy and counseling from mental health experts and Asido Campus Network. The mental health check recorded stunning number of attendance which was quite surprising considering the supposed mental stability within the University community. In an interview with Kehinde, a part 3 student of the Physics department,he expressed gratitude and his happiness in the Mental health check. In his words 'It felt really good to talk to someone about nothing and everything at the same time, to be honest, it was a huge relief'

Ongoing therapy/counselling session at the Health outreach

To make the outreach a possibility, qualified medical experts, staff of the University Health Services (U H.S) Jaja clinic, Asido Campus Network and volunteers were engaged to carry out the tests and counselling. Particularly noteworthy was the HIV test which was carried out behind a screened canopy in order to maintain anonymity of the participants.

Volunteers at the Health Outreach

Whilst interviewing Dr Ajav Aderonke,the Director of Health Services, University of Ibadan,she spoke of the importance of regular and periodic medical check up and how it helped to maintain an healthy lifestyle. In the same vein she commended Sigma Club for making such possible especially for those who could not afford or access it. She further reiterated that the club had a good relationship with the University Health Services over the years hereby making the Outreach of mutual benefit.

An interview with Dr Ajav Aderonke, director of UHS,Jaja clinic.

The Sigma Chief in his interview emphasized the need for philanthropic engagements and awareness in the sphere of health care as several people had little or no means to access medical care. He stated the Sigma Club would continue to keep the interest of the society in its fore and the in coming years the Health Outreach would include more sophisticated tests and care.

Sigma Chief in an interview session with newsmen from NTA Ibadan.

As the event proceeded,Loyal Sigmites were present at halls of residence and nearby faculties to invite passers-by and residents of halls to participate in the program. Faces were lit with smiles at the kind gestures especially at the Faculty of Arts where students just concluded exams. Oyewale Agboola, a student from the Faculty of Agriculture was glad. 'I definitely need therapy after these exams' he said.

Sigma Chief in discuss with Old Sigmite Dr Gani Adeniran at the outreach

Sigma Chief, Old Sigmite Gani Adediran and Loyal Sigmites in attendance.

As the day drew to an end after check ups were conducted for well over 250 members of the University community, participants began to thin, but one thing they all had in common was smiles of gratitude and appreciation to the club.