The De' Maria Foundation, through its flagship health initiative, The Red Bloom Project, has empowered more than 2,000 girls and vulnerable residents across Niger State, Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This was achieved through a comprehensive health, education and welfare intervention programme.
Four-Day Outreach Across Multiple Locations
The four-day outreach, held from June 4 to June 7, 2026, was spearheaded by the Foundation's founder and public health advocate, Dr. Ebitimi Patricia Tobuyei. The initiative was implemented at Nyanya Secondary School in the FCT, the Suleja Correctional Facility in Niger State, Mararaba Kabayi Community in Nasarawa State, and St. Francis Catholic Church, Pegi-Kuje, Abuja.
Speaking with journalists on Monday in Asaba, Delta State, Dr. Tobuyei said the outreach was carried out with the support of a multidisciplinary team comprising medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, public health professionals and volunteers committed to improving access to healthcare and health education among underserved populations.
Focus on HPV Prevention and Cervical Cancer Awareness
According to her, the programme focused on promoting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) prevention and cervical cancer awareness, while also providing free medical consultations, medications, welfare support, scholarships and financial assistance to vulnerable beneficiaries.
At Nyanya Secondary School, students received extensive health education on HPV prevention, cervical cancer awareness, menstrual hygiene management and reproductive health. The Foundation also distributed sanitary pads, educational materials and welfare items, while scholarships were awarded to selected students to support their academic pursuits.
Healthcare Services at Suleja Correctional Facility
The outreach extended to the Suleja Correctional Facility, where both male and female inmates benefited from comprehensive healthcare services. Medical personnel conducted vital signs checks, basic laboratory investigations and consultations, while treatments and medications were provided free of charge. Health education sessions at the correctional facility focused on reproductive health, HPV prevention, cervical cancer awareness and the importance of routine health screening. Welfare packages were also distributed to improve the well-being of inmates.
Community Engagement in Mararaba Kabayi
In Mararaba Kabayi Community, residents, including women, men, adolescents and children, participated in health awareness programmes and received free medical consultations, laboratory investigations, medications and healthcare advice. Participants were educated on HPV transmission, cervical cancer prevention, personal hygiene and healthy living practices. The Foundation also provided welfare materials and financial support to selected vulnerable members of the community as part of efforts to ease economic hardship and promote healthy living.
Programme Concludes at St. Francis Catholic Church
The programme concluded at St. Francis Catholic Church, Pegi-Kuje, where congregants benefited from health education sessions, medical consultations, free medications, welfare packages and financial assistance. Special emphasis was placed on women's health, cervical cancer prevention and the importance of regular health screening.
Holistic Intervention for Vulnerable Populations
Reflecting on the impact of the initiative, Dr. Tobuyei described The Red Bloom Project as a holistic intervention aimed at addressing the health, educational and social challenges confronting vulnerable populations. "The Red Bloom Project is about empowering people through knowledge, healthcare and support. Beyond raising awareness, we are providing direct medical assistance, welfare support and educational opportunities that improve lives and strengthen communities," she said.
She commended the dedication of healthcare professionals, volunteers and partners whose contributions ensured the successful implementation of the programme across the various locations.
Future Expansion Plans
Having reached more than 2,000 beneficiaries, the De' Maria Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to expanding The Red Bloom Project to more communities across Nigeria, with the goal of increasing access to quality healthcare, health education and social support services. The Foundation, a humanitarian and public health organisation, remains focused on improving lives through healthcare interventions, advocacy, education and community development programmes designed to support vulnerable populations nationwide.
