5th edition of MaBEST: Screening for hypertension, diabetes and BMI at the Agoè Assiyéyé market

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Extract from the article: The 5th edition of the Marché du Bien-Être et de la Santé au Togo (MaBEST) was officially launched on Wednesday, September 06, 2023 at the Agoè Assiyéyé market. The event was coupled with a screening session for non-communicable diseases...

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The 5th edition of the Marché du Bien-Être et de la Santé au Togo (MaBEST) was officially launched on Wednesday, September 06, 2023 at the Agoè Assiyéyé market.  The event was coupled with a screening session for non-communicable diseases. Around 500 people (women, merchants, customers, men and young people) were screened free of charge for body mass index (BMI), blood sugar and blood pressure. They were also given information and advice on healthy eating and lifestyle. The event was attended by the Prefectural Health Director of Agoènyivé, Dr Tagba, and authorities from the commune of Agoènyivé 1.

The 5th edition of MaBEST will take place from September 13 to 17, 2023 on the Totsi soccer field. The event is dedicated to promoting health and well-being in Togo. It brings together health professionals, non-governmental organizations, local businesses and committed citizens to highlight good health practices and raise awareness of health and well-being issues.

At the start of the market, a proactive initiative was observed to assess cardiovascular risk factors among visitors to the Agoè Asiyéyé market. Participants, particularly women, were given the opportunity to measure their BMI, blood sugar levels and blood pressure, thanks to a team of health professionals on hand. Participants at the Agoè Asiyéyé market were given the opportunity to undergo these essential health checks, enabling potential health problems to be detected at an early stage.

The aim is to raise public awareness of cardiovascular health risks and encourage healthier lifestyles.

For the Chairman of the MaBEST Organizing Committee, Basile Mignake, it is essential to advocate prevention. "Sante-Education is in the business of prevention, an effective strategy in Togo's health policy. The market is health. Everything that's done here is health-related. So we need our mothers to be in good health. That's what justifies this event, which sets the tone for the 5th chapter of MaBEST, our major health event opening in a few days' time. These screenings are obviously in line with the preventive approach we're promoting", he declared.

Preventing cardiovascular disease

Screening for cardiovascular risk factors is of particular importance, as cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Togo. By rapidly identifying risk factors and encouraging preventive measures, MaBEST is helping to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in the region.

"I heard about this activity. It's true I'm not ill, but I was curious enough to come along. I'm happy to have this opportunity. All my tests are negative. And the doctor advised me to reduce salt and sugar in my daily diet. She also told me to take up sport from time to time to keep my health in balance. It's a good thing and I hope it will continue," enthused cab driver Kouni Ousseni.

"I'm happy to have this opportunity. I have blood pressure. I've been diagnosed and I've been taking products for four months. This morning, they asked me questions about how it's evolving. They screened me and gave me some useful advice to keep me healthy. I think it's a good thing, and I hope it will continue," said a beneficiary mother.

The 5th edition of the Marché du Bien-Être et de la Santé au Togo (MaBEST), under the theme "Health according to our knowledge and African realities" promises to be an exceptional opportunity for Togolese to take control of their health and well-being.

"We want to promote what Africa knows about health and what it can give in terms of health through plants, food, all the knowledge the continent holds. During this Market, you will see that the stands and communications will be positioned in relation to the central theme", reassured Gadiel Tsonyadzi, Coordinator of MaBEST.

In addition to health screenings, the event will feature a series of conferences and workshops on various topics related to health and well-being. Health experts shared their knowledge and advice with the public, covering topics such as nutrition, physical activity, stress management and good everyday health practices.

MaBEST demonstrates Togo's ongoing commitment to promoting health and raising awareness of wellness issues.  The MaBEST organizers warmly invite the Togolese population to participate actively in this event. We must take advantage of the resources available to the population to improve their health and quality of life.

Raymond DZAKPATA