Fibroids: Foundation to close diagnosis gap with 1,000 free screening, 50 surgeries

A non governmental organisation (NGO), Hovasabee Youth and Women Foundation, has launched a three-year programme to provide free pelvic screening for at least 1,000 women by December 2026 and support 50 surgeries for women with severe fibroid symptoms by 2027.

The initiative, which is starting in Nigeria with plans to expand across West Africa, is designed to help women detect fibroids and related conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis before they become severe.

Founder of the foundation, Love Aludo, said the programme would provide free transabdominal pelvic ultrasound scans and pelvic MRIs, particularly for women experiencing symptoms that may otherwise be dismissed or treated without proper diagnosis.

Stating that “fibroids are not the disease, they're the messengers,” Aludo said women with heavy bleeding would also be examined for haemoglobin, iron and ferritin levels, noting that the checks could help identify anaemia and guide better lifestyle and treatment decisions.

She said the programme was inspired by her personal experience with anaemia, fibroids and angina, including the adverse effects of medication administered without her consent.

Aludo urged women to undergo regular screening to identify the causes of menstrual, cardiovascular and pelvic problems, rather than continue taking medication without proper diagnosis.

The foundation is also using its Dance-Off Fibroids campaign to take awareness to churches and schools. Through Love316Dance Ministry, the campaign uses dance competitions and gospel performances to educate women and girls about fibroids and encourage them to seek medical attention.

Aludo said the campaign was particularly important because women’s symptoms are sometimes dismissed as normal or psychological, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.

The foundation is seeking volunteers and contact persons to supervise screening activities in diagnostic laboratories across cities. It is also inviting diagnostic laboratories and ultrasound centres to partner with the programme, with the foundation paying for the radiological screening services.

Beyond screening, the NGO wants policymakers to make non-invasive pelvic scans accessible and free in senior secondary schools and universities.

Aludo also called on churches, religious organisations, corporate bodies and individuals to support awareness campaigns, screening and surgery costs.

The foundation said its approach is to move beyond awareness by helping women obtain screening and, where necessary, access surgery.

“We want women to advocate for themselves in hospitals and medical facilities,” the foundation said, stressing that early knowledge of uterine health could encourage healthier choices and improve women's quality of life.

The programme is expected to run for three years, with plans to continue afterwards and expand to other parts of West Africa.

Fibroids, non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus and may cause heavy bleeding, persistent pelvic pain, urinary or bowel problems, fertility concerns, painful periods, frequent urination and pain during intercourse, may have severe symptoms even when the fibroid is small, depending on its location.

×