Encomium
Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) celebrated 10 years of Endo Support and Advocacy in Nigeria a couple of days back. The group painted Lagos yellow with their T-shirt which is a symbol of endometriosis. The t-shirt is worn each year so that women won’t have to suffer in silence.
In celebration of a decade of endo advocacy, several partners came forth giving a high level of support to ESGN. Partners including, Nordica Fertility Centre (the foundation’s medical consultants since 2005), the Diamond Woman (endo advocates since 2014), Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Ministry of Health, Bharat Serums, the media, notables from Nollywood just to mention a few.
The ESGN Foundation pursued the alleviation of this dreaded condition by taking the awareness and fight round Nigeria and to Washington DC. On Saturday, March 28, 2015, Nigeria took her place in Washington D.C. joining other Nations around the world to march for endometriosis. Esther Odiete represented the foundation. The group sought government intervention in the funding, research, education and treatment for endometriosis.
There was an interactive workshop on this dreaded condition at the Nordica Fertility Centres in Asokoro, FCT, Abuja, Asaba, Delta State and Ikoyi, Lagos.
People from all walks of life gathered at City Mall, Onikan in their touch of yellow attires marching through the streets and creating awareness on endometriosis on Saturday, March 14, 2015. The march ended at The Lagoon Restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the public had access to free medical consultations, shared first hand experiences and opportunities on financing facilities.
The ESGN lead medical consultant, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi threw light on endometriosis; the “Invisible disease” because it is found within the body but the symptoms of endometriosis can be broken down into three: pain, irregular bleeding and infertility.” He further explained there is no cure but currently the disease is being managed. The major concern on this disregarded disease coupled with a lot of misdiagnosis, led the team to make the effort to raise awareness for endometriosis and have been at the forefront, actively lobbying for better outcome, education, awareness, care, treatment options and support for these women affected with the endometriosis condition.
On Thursday, March 12, 2015, a breakfast session held at Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where experts further spoke about endometriosis.
The ESGN is a Non-Governmental Organization with the sole aim of assisting women, both young and old who are challenged with the endometriosis condition. This empowerment is via education to the public and medical community, effect change through constant research and health screenings and lobbying the government for better support of this incurable condition.
