World Diabetes Day may have come and gone, but for residents of Bolorunduro, Owena, Fagbo, Kajola, and surrounding villages in Ondo East Local Government of Ondo State, the memory lingers like a warm glow. On that day, quality healthcare—often an unreachable luxury—arrived at their doorstep through a free medical outreach organised by the youth-led Medical Aid and Advocacy for the Vulnerables Foundation (MAAVF).
Founded three years ago by Dr. Modesire Akinbogun, then just 18, and her co-founder Mofeoluwa Akinbogun, now a medical student at the University of Wisconsin, MAAVF has quickly grown from a small idea into a force for good. With more than ten medical outreaches and over 3,000 beneficiaries so far, the organisation remains steadfast in its mission to expand healthcare access to underserved Nigerian communities.
Rural healthcare in Ondo faces stark challenges: few facilities, scarce health workers, and unaffordable treatment. Fully aware of these realities, Dr. Modesire and her team left Akure on World Diabetes Day for Bolorunduro, a 35-minute journey. Days earlier, radio jingles had invited villagers, who responded enthusiastically, trooping to the Civic Centre for what many described as a rare opportunity.
Partnering with medical students from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the team screened all participants, dispensed medications, offered consultations, and arranged referrals for critical cases. “We are here to commemorate World Diabetes Day with a free outreach focusing on early detection,” Dr. Modesire explained. “This isn’t just a one-day programme. Patients with dangerously high blood sugar will receive continuous care, including medications and tests for at least six months.”
Funding for the outreach comes largely from donors, particularly her parents, Prof. Tolulope and Dr. Olubukola Akinbogun, as well as supportive partners and community elders. Past outreaches revealed startling realities: many participants had dangerously high blood sugar without knowing it, while others could not afford treatment. One patient supported last year died before follow-up, a loss that shaped this year’s strategy. “This programme is intentional—carefully planned and driven by passion and purpose,” she said.
The outreach extended beyond medical care. Secondary school students were invited as “change agents”, receiving health education on diabetes, encouraged to share knowledge with their families, and given motivational talks on career aspirations. “Many students here drop out, believing education has no future. We want to challenge that mindset,” Dr. Modesire said. An essay competition with cash prizes—N150,000 for first place, N100,000 for second, and N75,000 for third—was also announced to raise diabetes awareness. This year, MAAVF aims to reach up to 500 people. Bolorunduro was chosen for its central location, surrounded by multiple villages, ensuring broad access. Follow-up programmes in schools and communities are planned to sustain the momentum.
For Prof. Tolulope Akinbogun, the initiative reflects both charity and cultural grounding. “We are here to give back. Ignorance is a big disease, and many die for lack of knowledge. Detecting diabetes early should be seen as an opportunity, not a death sentence,” he said. The Executive Chairman of Ondo East LGA, Fola Joshua Ogunduyilemi, described the programme as “laudable and humanitarian,” promising government support for patients needing follow-up care. Prof. Sunday Robert Ogunduyile, former Vice Chancellor of OAUSTECH, commended the turnout and urged communities to embrace such initiatives while calling on government to address the ongoing healthcare workforce crisis exacerbated by the “japa” phenomenon.
