Project 111: Access Bank webinar champions women’s health, triumph over fibroids
By Esther Agbo
Access Bank organised a significant health webinar themed “Celebrating Resilience: Stories of Triumph, Coping & Healing” on Friday. The event focused on the fibroid journey of women, highlighting the experiences of Project 111 treatment beneficiaries, and aimed to inspire attendees to take charge of their health and seek necessary medical help without fear.
An international board-certified lifestyle medicine and public health physician, Dr. Chinasa Amadi, opened the webinar with a sobering statistic: up to 70-80 percent of women globally are affected by fibroids by the age of 50. In Nigeria and Africa, the prevalence of uterine fibroids is particularly high among African women.
Dr. Amadi emphasised that many women may have fibroids without experiencing any symptoms.
She however provided coping mechanisms, including emotional and psychological strategies like mindfulness, meditation, and therapy. She stressed the importance of a robust support system from family and friends, and encouraged joining support groups for shared advice and emotional support. Practical tips for managing pain included the use of over-the-counter pain medications, heat therapy, rest, and regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and manage stress.
Treatment options for fibroids, as discussed by Dr. Amadi, ranged from natural remedies such as herbal treatments and acupuncture to medical interventions like hormonal treatments and minimally invasive procedures. Surgical options, including myomectomy and hysterectomy, were also explored.
The webinar featured personal stories and testimonies from fibroid patients. Oyinkan Ogundele, founder of My Gynae, shared her experience with three fibroid surgeries, with no more reoccurrence now 6 years after the third surgery, urging women to be proactive about their health and seek professional advice.
Chidiebere Nwankpu, a beneficiary of the Project 111 program, recounted her successful surgery facilitated by Access Bank and encouraged others not to give up and to seek the right medical help.
Nigerian actress, Ini Dima-Okojie, who underwent a myomectomy in 2020 and is currently facing a recurrence of fibroids, lent her voice to create awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding fibroids. She advocated for early diagnosis as this can save a whole lot.
She mentioned that she will be taking a holistic approach treatment combining medical and lifestyle changes.
The Chief Medical Director at Fibroid Care Center, Nordica Nigeria Limited and the first partner of Project 111, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi, spoke about the importance of exercise and managing high blood pressure to prevent fibroid recurrence. He also dispelled misconceptions about post-surgery fertility, advising proper fertility tests before undergoing fibroid treatment.
The webinar underscored the significance of early diagnosis, regular check-ups, and routine gynaecological exams. Dr. Amadi concluded with dietary recommendations for fibroid management, emphasising the importance of a healthy lifestyle, hydration, and mental wellness practices like yoga and mindfulness.
The event was a testament to Access Bank’s commitment to women’s health, providing a platform for sharing experiences, raising awareness, and empowering women to take control of their health journeys.
