Our Story
·July 21, 2026
· by Ogechukwu Patience Anike
How a passion for early medical screening grew from free ultrasound outreaches in Lagos parishes into a life-saving mission now reaching Enugu State — and the equipment we urgently need to continue.
For many years, I have been driven by a passion to help people gain access to early medical screening and health awareness — especially those who may not have the opportunity or financial means to seek medical care on their own.
This mission began in 2017/2018 at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, Abata-Orile, Surulere, Lagos State, through the support of the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Joseph Akan. During this outreach, I personally provided ultrasound screening services for parishioners and delivered health-education talks aimed at creating awareness about preventable and manageable health conditions.
The screenings included breast, prostate, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examinations. What we discovered was both eye-opening and concerning. Several parishioners were diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), breast lumps, abdominal masses, cysts, and multiple uterine fibroids (myomas). Many had no idea that these conditions could be detected early and treated before becoming life-threatening.
One of the most painful realities we encountered was that many people delayed seeking medical attention due to financial hardship. As a result, some conditions progressed to advanced stages before they were discovered. Sadly, I personally witnessed cases where delayed diagnosis contributed to severe complications and even death. One such case was Mrs. Elizabeth Nwangwu, a primary school teacher whose condition had become chronic before medical intervention could be effectively provided.
The impact of this outreach led to another invitation from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Koka, Surulere, Lagos State, under the leadership of the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joel Okojie. Once again, I organized and conducted ultrasound screenings while collaborating with laboratory clinics that participated in the exercise.
The turnout was overwhelming. Hundreds of parishioners came forward for screening, and once again, we discovered similar health conditions among many participants. The need was so great that the ultrasound machine eventually broke down due to the volume of examinations being performed.
It is important to note that all these outreach activities were funded entirely from my personal resources. At no point did I charge the Church or its members for these services. The goal was simply to save lives through early detection and health awareness.
Today, I am seeking to extend this life-saving initiative to communities in Enugu State, where studies and hospital records continue to show significant numbers of patients affected by these same conditions.
Recent findings include:
- Multiple Fibroids (Myomas): 596 cases reported at ESUT Teaching Hospital between 2018 and 2022.
- Abdominal Swelling / Masses related to Fibroids: 325 cases reported at ESUT Teaching Hospital between 2018 and 2022.
- Breast Lumps: 165 cases recorded at Trans-Ekulu Hospital over a 21-year review period.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): numerous cases documented through clinical reports from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and ESUT Teaching Hospital, showing a continuing burden of prostate-related diseases among men.
These figures represent more than statistics. They represent fathers, mothers, teachers, workers, and young people whose lives and families are affected by diseases that can often be detected and managed early.
The need for community-based medical screening and awareness programs has never been greater. Early detection saves lives, reduces treatment costs, and prevents unnecessary suffering.
However, to continue and expand this vital work, I urgently require functional ultrasound machines and related medical equipment. With the right tools and support, we can reach underserved communities, identify health conditions before they become critical, educate people about their health, and ultimately save lives.
Every screening conducted is an opportunity to prevent tragedy. Every diagnosis made early is a chance to give someone hope, treatment, and a future.
Your support in providing the necessary equipment will not only help us continue this mission — it will help transform and save countless lives.
This mission began in 2017/2018 at St. Thomas of Villanova Catholic Church, Abata-Orile, Surulere, Lagos State, through the support of the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Kingsley Joseph Akan. During this outreach, I personally provided ultrasound screening services for parishioners and delivered health-education talks aimed at creating awareness about preventable and manageable health conditions.
The screenings included breast, prostate, abdominal and pelvic ultrasound examinations. What we discovered was both eye-opening and concerning. Several parishioners were diagnosed with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), breast lumps, abdominal masses, cysts, and multiple uterine fibroids (myomas). Many had no idea that these conditions could be detected early and treated before becoming life-threatening.
One of the most painful realities we encountered was that many people delayed seeking medical attention due to financial hardship. As a result, some conditions progressed to advanced stages before they were discovered. Sadly, I personally witnessed cases where delayed diagnosis contributed to severe complications and even death. One such case was Mrs. Elizabeth Nwangwu, a primary school teacher whose condition had become chronic before medical intervention could be effectively provided.
The impact of this outreach led to another invitation from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Koka, Surulere, Lagos State, under the leadership of the then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Joel Okojie. Once again, I organized and conducted ultrasound screenings while collaborating with laboratory clinics that participated in the exercise.
The turnout was overwhelming. Hundreds of parishioners came forward for screening, and once again, we discovered similar health conditions among many participants. The need was so great that the ultrasound machine eventually broke down due to the volume of examinations being performed.
It is important to note that all these outreach activities were funded entirely from my personal resources. At no point did I charge the Church or its members for these services. The goal was simply to save lives through early detection and health awareness.
Today, I am seeking to extend this life-saving initiative to communities in Enugu State, where studies and hospital records continue to show significant numbers of patients affected by these same conditions.
Recent findings include:
- Multiple Fibroids (Myomas): 596 cases reported at ESUT Teaching Hospital between 2018 and 2022.
- Abdominal Swelling / Masses related to Fibroids: 325 cases reported at ESUT Teaching Hospital between 2018 and 2022.
- Breast Lumps: 165 cases recorded at Trans-Ekulu Hospital over a 21-year review period.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): numerous cases documented through clinical reports from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and ESUT Teaching Hospital, showing a continuing burden of prostate-related diseases among men.
These figures represent more than statistics. They represent fathers, mothers, teachers, workers, and young people whose lives and families are affected by diseases that can often be detected and managed early.
The need for community-based medical screening and awareness programs has never been greater. Early detection saves lives, reduces treatment costs, and prevents unnecessary suffering.
However, to continue and expand this vital work, I urgently require functional ultrasound machines and related medical equipment. With the right tools and support, we can reach underserved communities, identify health conditions before they become critical, educate people about their health, and ultimately save lives.
Every screening conducted is an opportunity to prevent tragedy. Every diagnosis made early is a chance to give someone hope, treatment, and a future.
Your support in providing the necessary equipment will not only help us continue this mission — it will help transform and save countless lives.