On Thursday, June 19, 2025, the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (ARDUATH), through its Committee on Special Duty, conducted a health outreach at the Police Divisional Headquarters, Gwagwalada. The outreach, themed “Know Your Health Status,” aimed at equipping police officers with essential health knowledge, preventive care, and life-saving skills to enhance their well-being and efficiency on duty.
A Step Towards Better Health Awareness
The program recorded a significant turnout, with 126 police officers sensitized through a comprehensive package of health education and screenings. The resident doctors delivered health talks focused on lifestyle modification, emphasizing practical strategies for stress management, nutrition, physical activity, and regular health checks. Officers were encouraged to take proactive steps in monitoring their health—an often neglected aspect of law enforcement work due to long hours and job stress.
Comprehensive Free Health Screenings
To support the health talks, ARDUATH doctors and nurses carried out a series of free health screenings for participants, which included:
- Blood Pressure Checks – to detect early signs of hypertension
- Blood Glucose Tests – for diabetes monitoring
- Hepatitis B & C Screening – vital for early detection of viral infections
- Body Mass Index (BMI) Measurement – to evaluate weight-related risks
Each officer received individual feedback, with counseling on next steps where risk factors were identified. This personalized approach ensured that participants left not only with knowledge but also with actionable health guidance.
Building Capacity with Basic Life Support (BLS) Training
A special highlight of the outreach was the Basic Life Support (BLS) training. Given the demanding and unpredictable nature of police duties, the training was both timely and highly practical. Officers were trained on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), airway management, and emergency response techniques, equipping them to provide first aid in critical situations before professional medical help arrives.
The interactive format allowed participants to practice and engage directly with the trainers, boosting their confidence in handling medical emergencies in the line of duty.
Impact on Officers and the Community
Many officers expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that it was the first time they had undergone such a thorough check-up. For some, the screenings revealed underlying conditions that required prompt medical attention, underscoring the importance of the outreach.
By empowering police officers with health awareness and equipping them with BLS skills, ARDUATH not only improved their personal health outcomes but also enhanced their capacity to save lives within the community they serve.
Strengthening Preventive Healthcare in Gwagwalada
The outreach at the Police Divisional Headquarters formed part of ARDUATH’s broader mission to promote preventive healthcare beyond hospital walls. By engaging institutions such as the FRSC, Police Force, and Civil Defense, ARDUATH is fostering a culture of health consciousness among Nigeria’s uniformed service members—who play critical roles in ensuring public safety.
Looking Ahead
With 126 officers impacted at the Police Divisional Headquarters, the outreach is a strong testament to the role ARDUATH continues to play in bridging the gap between medical expertise and community needs. Future initiatives will continue to build on this success, reaching more sectors and ensuring that more professionals are equipped with the tools to “know their health status” and safeguard their well-being.
Through this outreach, ARDUATH reaffirmed its dedication not only to clinical excellence but also to building healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.