Thousands March in Lagos As Nordica Celebrates 10th Year of Endometriosis Advocacy

The 10^th year celebration of endometriosis advocacy in Nigeria declared open by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Khaliru Alhassan, saw thousands of women and men storm the streets of Lagos to offer solidarity to the cause and organisers, Nordica Fertility Centre and Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN). The minister was represented by Dr. Olusegun Oyeniyi.

At a breakfast forum held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos on Thursday March 12, 2015, the minister said “I commend the humanitarian insight behind the advocacy against endometriosis being carried on for a decade by Nordica Fertility Centre. A decade is a long time to carry on a fight, this shows determinations and passion.” 

President Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Professor Brian Adinma, said “this event is held every year to create awareness and support for this highly nagging problem that has affected our women. SOGON will like to encourage the organisers and also join in solidarity in this fight.”

As early as 8:30am on Saturday March 14 people from all walks of life thronged the streets wearing yellow and black T-shirts to participate in the EndoMarch 2015 to keep fit at the same time create awareness about the scourge called endometriosis.

After the march which started from City Mall Onikan and ended at Lagoon Restaurant, Ozumba Mbadiwe Avenue, Managing Director of Nordica Fertility Centre and Coordinator of ESGN, Dr. Abayomi Ajayi made some explanation about the disease. “Some call 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.”

Continuing Dr. Ajayi said “there are some who have Endometriosis but it doesn’t progress and others have it and it regresses. The problem is that you don’t know which course it will run but the most definitive diagnosis for Endometriosis is through a Laparoscopy, any other way is suspicion and in some cases many might have a baby or two and can’t have anymore.”

On Saturday 21st of March 2015 an interactive workshop on endometriosis will take place at 12noon in Nordica Fertility Centres in Asokoro, FCT, Abuja, Asaba, Delta State and Ikoyi, Lagos.

While the Endometriosis Worldwide March will take place in Washington DC, United States of America on Saturday 28th of March 2015, this includes a walk in the morning and an evening ball where supporters from all over the globe and members of the US government congregate to network and chart the way forward in giving a better life to endo sufferers. 

Organised annually to unite women/families globally by taking a stand against endometriosis, the EndoMarch program seeks to educate, empower, find curative measures and effect change. It also helps to improve the living standard for females both young and old and the society at large.

Endometriosis is a condition where endometrial tissue is found outside the uterus. It is trapped in the pelvic area and lower tummy (abdomen), not often in other areas of the body and cause pain and discomfort to sufferers.