By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government says it will support the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy, Edo State Chapter, in its stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention campaign scheduled to mark the 2026 World Physiotherapy Day.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, made the commitment when the NSP delegation, led by Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the celebration of World Physiotherapy Day, Dr. Iyen Victory, paid an advocacy visit to the Ministry in Benin City.
Abdallah commended the initiative, particularly its focus on taking preventive healthcare services directly to women in markets, noting that many women often neglect their health due to demanding family and business responsibilities.
She stressed the importance of regular health checks and cautioned women against self-medication and ignoring symptoms until they become severe.
“It is a beautiful idea because prevention is better than cure. You see women rushing out for school runs, cooking, running businesses, and caring for extended family. They barely have time to check themselves until severe complications arise,” she said.»
The Commissioner assured the NSP of the Ministry’s collaboration and participation in the outreach, noting that promoting women’s health remained central to the government’s social development agenda.
Earlier, Dr. Victory said the campaign would focus on educating women on stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention, with free risk screenings and consultations for high-risk individuals.
He disclosed that the main event, scheduled for September 7, will feature an awareness rally from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) to selected markets across Benin City.
“He added that blood pressure monitors would be donated to vulnerable women to encourage regular monitoring and early detection of hypertension.”
The campaign forms part of activities to commemorate World Physiotherapy Day 2026, with emphasis on the role of physiotherapy in preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
