Chidinma Odu-Obi Agho is the founder of Pharmhealthcharity, a non-governmental charitable organization which promotes the well-being of individuals, by creating awareness of some undiagnosed health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and other health conditions which can be left unnoticed due to lack of screening. She is a British trained Pharmacist who has been in the profession for over 17 years. Chidinma who hails from Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, is the daughter of Dr.Hillary Odu-Obi, a former dentist at Eastman Hospital, London and Owerri General Hospital.
Her mother was a Nurse at Barnet Hospital, London. Chidinma attended St. Thomas More Roman Catholic School in Woodgreen London, where she discovered her passion for science. She later attended City and Islington College for her A. levels and got her MPHARM degree in University of Portsmouth in Hampshire. Her charity organization empowers rural communities by engaging women and youths, defining health challenges in their communities and creating positive change that will help alleviate poverty
Chidinma speaks exclusively to Sunday Oyinloye, Publisher Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable.
Excerpts:
Why did you set up Pharmhealthcharity ?
As a UK based Community Pharmacist with over 17 years of experience, the passion of creating health awareness in the community where I practice as a pharmacist has always been part of me and extending such skill to my motherland in addition to already structured system in Nigeria will be a benefit to all. Pharmhealthcharity stands for promoting wellbeing for all
What impacts have your NGO made in Nigeria?
The NGO has brought so much awareness to those we have managed to reach out to. Medical outreach was conducted on different occasions. One of such was with the local community in FESTAC town in Lagos, and the other was with the Nigerian police where health check was conducted for two major conditions; diabetes and blood pressure, as well as having an NGO . A film was also produced to create awareness on cervical cancer. The film is called Survival and it’s available to watch on YouTube under Pharmhealtcharity
Did you encounter any challenge at the initial stage?
Every organisation encounters challenges at the initial stage. How you deal with it is what matters, and that’s what makes a difference. One of the major challenges was to identify conditions that are easily overlooked by the citizens in Nigeria. These conditions can be asymptomatic and if left untreated can be fatal
How were you able to overcome those changes?
Conducting research was a key factor to overcome those challenges
You are a Pharmacist, and your profession requires concentration, how are you able to run the NGO?
As the CEO of Pharmhealthcharity , I do have a good team with amazing profile that is able to oversee and ensure that the charity runs effectively
What advice do you have for people who have diabetes and those who do not have?
Diabetes is one of the conditions, when not managed properly can lead to severe complications, which can lead to severe damage to the kidneys, retina and significant damage to the brain. People with diabetes should make sure the condition is managed properly to avoid long term complications. Regular reviews with their health practitioners should be their top priority. Those without diabetes are advised on living a healthy lifestyle like reduction of sugar intake, more water intake, regular exercise and reduction in alcohol intake and cigarette
What makes Pharmhealthcharity different from other NGO?
Pharmhealthcharity is different from other NGOs because it is a charity for all. It is a charity that uses different mediums, through entertainment, medical outreach or also be a part of a healthy living conference.
What should the world expect from your NGO in the coming months and years?
More awareness programmes through entertainment. The Pharmhealth food store should be launched next year and this will be made available for people from all walks of life.
As a British Nigerian Pharmacist, you must be aware of the challenge of fake drugs in your country. How can the problem be addressed?
As a British Nigerian pharmacist, I think Nigeria has an already structured system in combating fake drugs; unfortunately some groups of people will try to spoil an already working system by selling fake drugs in the market. I will say those individuals need to stop selling fake drugs as we all need to join hands to combat this distasteful act.
What message do you have for Nigerian youth who might be interested in reading pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a great profession, which exposes you to people of different works of life. It gives a great satisfaction when you’re able to advice an individual issues in relation to their health. You need to be passionate about the course to be able to reach your highest goal.
Tell me your big dream for Nigeria?
One of my dreams is to extend my charity to all parts of Nigeria, and also to liaise with National Orientation Agency to raise awareness on health.
