Edo Government Supports Physiotherapists’ Stroke Prevention Campaign Targeting Women in Markets

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Edo State Government has pledged its support for a stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention campaign organised by the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP), Edo State Chapter, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Physiotherapy Day.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Eugenia Abdallah, gave the assurance when a delegation of the NSP, led by the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the World Physiotherapy Day celebration, Dr. Iyen Victory, paid an advocacy visit to the ministry in Benin City.

Abdallah commended the initiative, particularly its focus on bringing preventive healthcare services directly to women in markets. She noted that many women often neglect their health because of demanding family, business and social responsibilities.

She emphasised the importance of regular health checks and cautioned women against self-medication and ignoring warning signs until their conditions become critical. According to her, many women are occupied with school runs, cooking, business activities and caring for their families, leaving them with limited time for routine medical examinations.

The commissioner assured the NSP of the ministry’s collaboration and participation in the outreach, stressing that the promotion of women’s health and well-being remains a key component of the government’s social development agenda.

Earlier, Dr. Victory disclosed that the campaign would focus on educating women about stroke and cardiovascular disease prevention, as well as providing free risk screenings and consultations for individuals identified as being at high risk. He said the main event, scheduled for September 7, would 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 facilitate the early detection of hypertension. He noted that the campaign forms part of activities commemorating World Physiotherapy Day 2026 and highlighting the role of physiotherapy in the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.