By Adedapo Adesanya
EndoSurvivors International Foundation (ESIF), an NGO championing endometriosis awareness in Nigeria, has announced its upcoming events in commemoration of the Global Endometriosis Advocacy Month in March, fondly tagged March4Endo by advocates all over the world.
Endometriosis is a chronic and inflammatory condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 girls and women in Nigeria and on a global scale. This sums up to about 190 million affected girls/women around the world, about the population of Nigeria in 2018.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognizes that endometriosis has significant social, public health, and economic implications leading to a decrease in productivity due to severe pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Most girls/women with endometriosis experience debilitating pain that hinders them from going to work, school, or being active members of society. Consequently, endometriosis sufferers endure a reduced quality of life.
Speaking on the upcoming event, the founder of ESIF, Mrs Olivia Nwankudu, who also manages the thriving EndoSurvivors’ Patient Support Group for endometriosis and adenomyosis patients in Nigeria, said “there is a need for the government and private sector to show concern for the plight of women living with this condition. Addressing endometriosis will empower those affected by it by supporting their human right to the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health, quality of life, and overall well-being.”
In recognition of its commitment, ESIF will organise two events for Endometriosis Awareness Month 2024 – Walk & Cycle for Endo and Endometriosis Patient’s Day Symposium.
Walk & Cycle for Endo: On Saturday, March 9, 2024, ESIF will host a Walk & Cycle for Endo event at Dr Abayomi Finnih Park, Opebi-link Bridge, Ikeja by 6:30 am. This event aims to raise awareness about endometriosis through direct interaction with members of neighboring communities in Allen, Opebi, Oregun, and Ikeja. Participants will have the opportunity to walk or cycle alongside endometriosis survivors and supporters, showing solidarity in the fight against this condition.
Endometriosis Patient’s Day Symposium: ESIF will also host her 5th Annual Endometriosis Patient’s Day Symposium themed, “Endometriosis and Infertility” at 9 am on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the main auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba. This symposium will bring together healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, and endometriosis patients to discuss the latest developments in endometriosis research, treatment, and advocacy.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Emeritus Professor Frank Giwa-Osagie, an esteemed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – one of the leading voices of Assisted Reproductive Technologies globally.
The event will also feature other expert speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions to educate and empower attendees.
Through the events scheduled for Endometriosis Awareness Month 2024, the NGO hopes to shine a light on this often misunderstood condition and prioritize an improved quality of care for those living with it.
“Together, we can raise awareness, promote early diagnosis, and improve the quality of life for endometriosis patients.
“ESIF invites individuals, organizations, and the media to join them in their efforts to raise awareness about endometriosis and support those affected by it. For more information about ESIF and their upcoming events, please send an email to [email protected] or visit www.endosurvivors.org,” it added in a statement.
Aduragbemi Omiyale