Nigerians to walk for endometriosis awareness

Come March 10, Nigerians are expected to troop out on the streets of Lagos for a special walk to raise awareness about endometriosis,  a disease  condition that inflicts so much pain and suffering on women, sometimes, impeding pregnancy in the process.

The walk, an annual event, is being lead by the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN), the Nigerian chapter of a global movement that has formed an alliance  with physicians, scientists, and policy makers to further awareness on endometriosis, insist on specialist care for women with the condition and to move research forward.

Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, the Founder of the Nigerian group speaking with journalists recently, said the Endo walk would be part of the group’s activities for 2018’’, in it’s efforts “to make significant inroads to expand the awareness level of endometriosis among people across the country.”

He said that the group is working on partnering with the private and public sector to help reduce the ignorance around the “invisible condition called Endometriosis” as it severely affects the quality of life of sufferers including all forms of meaningful relationships they have,” adding that it is also a common cause of infertility.

Dr. Ajayi described endometriosis as a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus — the endometrium — grows outside the uterus, typically on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines or other areas in the pelvis.

“In the past 12 years, we have championed this cause in Nigeria, and we have raised the consciousness about the condition among sufferers, medical practitioners, media and the general public.

“We believe this is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. Endometriosis as you may be aware, is a debilitating condition which affects 1 in 10 women. It is however characterized by late diagnosis as most physicians tend to miss it.

“With all that we know today, we are bringing a message of hope to sufferers, new technologies and treatments are becoming available to manage the condition.

“On March 10, 2018, we will have our annual Endo March. A walk to drive awareness about the condition in the city of Lagos. We will commence at 7am from City Mall, Onikan through Awolowo road to Muri Okunola Park.”

Dr. Ajayi disclosed that the 2018 walk has attracted the support of corporate bodies and international agencies.

“This year ESGN is partnering with the German Endometriosis Scientific Research foundation to help increase awareness among medical practitioners about advancements in the management of endometriosis.

“We are happy to announce that Diamond Woman who have traditionally supported us during the past 4 years are again playing a role in ensuring the success of the walk. Every year, we try to ensure that our Lagos Endo March is celebrated in commemoration of the International Women’s day,” he further said.

Dr. Ajayi who is also the Medical Director of Nordica Fertlity Centre also announced other ESGN events  for the year. These include a special edition of the Physicians Round Table which holds  on Thursday April 12  at the Civic Centre, an essay competition for secondary schools and the ESGN Picture Contest

According to him, the Physicians Round Table (PRT) is Nordica’s annual medical conference usually in the month of March and dedicated to Endometriosis.

“At ESGN, we recognize that our women need to live to the fullest potential and nothing should stop them from doing so. I implore all Nigerians to join our social media campaign on Instagram, twitter and Facebook to lend a hand of support,” He said