The Atim Ekanem Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has unveiled its strategy to target three local government areas in Akwa Ibom State for a comprehensive enlightenment campaign against kidney disease in rural communities.
The foundation has already executed medical outreaches and conducted kidney disease awareness campaigns in Atia Essien Uruk Uso, Ikot Obong Otoro in Urua Obo, and Abiakpo Ikot Essien within the Ikot Ekpene local government area. The dedicated team, comprising volunteer health workers, administered free sugar tests, and sample urine tests, and distributed complimentary food items to alleviate the economic challenges faced by residents in these rural areas.
Mrs. Etido Kretschmer, the visionary Founder of the Atim Ekanem Foundation, personally engaged with residents to underscore the grave implications of kidney disease, drawing from the painful experience of losing her mother, Mrs. Atim Ekanem, to this ailment. She stressed the critical importance of raising awareness in rural communities to avert similar tragic losses.
Kretschmer passionately advocated for the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices, including regular consumption of water, avoidance of junk food, and prudent use of analgesic drugs, which can have detrimental effects on kidney health. She also emphasized the significance of regular physical exercise and consumption of vegetables to sustain kidney health.
Displaying unwavering resolve to extend the foundation’s impact to millions of Nigerians, particularly in rural areas, Kretsechmer issued a heartfelt appeal for support from donor agencies, international organizations, and all tiers of government in Nigeria.
The foundation is poised to sustain its outreach efforts in the three targeted local government areas, with a commitment to conducting regular screenings and extending assistance to a larger populace in the ensuing months.
