On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Ultra-Blue Centre partnered with TheGeneLab Bioscience to organize an International Women’s Day health awareness walk and free medical screening program in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos.

The team walked through the streets of Sabo, Yaba, speaking to women about common health conditions that can go unnoticed until complications occur. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, cervical cancer and infectious diseases show little or no symptoms in their early stages. Without screening, individuals may remain unaware of underlying health issues until complications arise.

Following the engagement sessions, those who showed interest were offered free on-site health screening tests:

Health Screening Tests Offered:

• Pap Smear Test (Cervical Cancer Screening): Detects abnormal or precancerous cells in the cervix which can develop into cancer as this is common amongst women. Early detection through Pap smear screening can: Identify abnormal cervical cells before they become cancerous thereby allowing early treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.

• Blood Pressure Test (Hypertension Screening): An essential part of a routine health checkup. Women experience hormonal and physiological changes throughout life; from pregnancy to menopause that can influence blood pressure levels. Untreated hypertension can lead to complications such as: Heart disease, stroke, kidney damage. Blood pressure screening can facilitate early diagnosis and reduce the risk of further complications associated with hypertension.

• Blood Sugar Test (Diabetes Screening): This test helps detect diabetes and prediabetes, conditions that affect how the body processes sugar. Diabetes may lead to complications that impact both the female general health and reproductive health; especially pregnant women. Blood sugar tests, typically the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), help identify women at risk of developing gestational diabetes. Regular checkups allows individuals to manage blood sugar levels.

• HIV Test: This test detects the presence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus that attacks the immune system and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. Early detection of HIV, allows for prompt treatment using antiretroviral therapy (ART), which helps individuals live long. For women specifically, HIV testing is important because it helps to prevent mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Prioritizing Women’s Health

Women’s health goes beyond treating illness, it includes regular monitoring, early detection, preventative screenings & care. Routine screening is a powerful step toward preventing serious medical conditions.

The impact of the health awareness walk shows how community engagement and accessible health services can encourage more women to take an active role in managing their health.