Nursing is often visualized within the four walls of a hospital—beeping monitors, sterile fluids, and ward rounds. But for 500L student Adebayo Tolu, nursing extends far beyond the gates of LUTH.
In this week’s Student Spotlight, we look at Tolu’s initiative, “Health for All,” which focuses on taking basic healthcare education to underserved riverine communities in Lagos.
The Spark
“I realized during my Community Health posting that many patients only come to the hospital when it is too late,” Tolu explains. “The traffic and cost of transport from remote areas to Idi-Araba is a huge barrier. I wanted to bridge that gap.”
The Initiative: Mobile Clinics
Launched in partnership with a local NGO, Tolu’s team organizes bi-monthly visits to communities like Makoko. Their focus isn’t just treatment, but prevention.
- Malaria Prevention: Distributing treated mosquito nets and teaching proper usage.
- Hypertension Screening: Free blood pressure checks for the elderly.
- Sanitation Workshops: Teaching children the importance of handwashing to prevent cholera.
The Impact So Far
Since its inception six months ago, the initiative has:
- Screened over 200 elderly patients for high blood pressure.
- Distributed 500 mosquito nets.
- Referred 15 critical cases to the Primary Health Centre for urgent care.
Why It Matters
Tolu’s work reminds us that you don’t need to wait until you are a registered nurse to make a difference. Advocacy starts now.
“You are not just a student; you are a healthcare professional in training. Your knowledge has the power to save lives today.” — Adebayo Tolu.
