THE AFRICAN COURIER. Reporting Africa and its Diaspora! The African Courier is an international magazine published in Germany to report on Africa and the Diaspora African experience. The first issue of the bimonthly magazine appeared on the newsstands on 15 February 1998. The African Courier is a communication forum for European-African political, economic and cultural exchanges, and a voice for Africa in Europe.
Responding to concerns about rising cases of untimely deaths in the African community, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Germany (NIDO Germany) recently hosted an online health information session.
The event, titled “Health is Wealth,” was organised in collaboration with the Diaspora Medical Mobile Clinic (DMMC), a collective of African medical professionals committed to improving healthcare outcomes in the community.
The seminar was held against the backdrop of increasing reports of premature deaths among Africans in Germany, which have been linked to a general neglect of preventive health practices. These include irregular medical check-ups, poor dietary habits, physical inactivity and a general lack of awareness about health screenings and vaccinations.
Dr Stephanie Nsiah-Dosu, board member and medical lead of DMMC, delivered the keynote presentation. She emphasised the importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s health through regular screenings, adopting healthy lifestyles and staying informed about age-appropriate preventive measures.
“Maintaining good health enables you to preserve your dignity, independence and quality of life well into advanced age,” she stated.
Affectionately known in the community as Dr Stephanie, she underscored that early detection is often the key to effective treatment, especially for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers that are prevalent in the community.
The Diaspora Medical Mobile Clinic was launched to bridge the gap between the mainstream healthcare system and the unique needs of the African diaspora. The organisation offers community outreach, medical consultations, especially for those without health insurance, and targeted health education. Through its work, DMMC encourages individuals to prioritise their well-being and demystifies aspects of the German healthcare system that often appear complex to immigrants.
In his opening remarks, Dr (Engr) Moses Kolade Ogun, President of NIDO Germany, explained that the event, held on 13 April, was in pursuit of the organisation’s wider mandate to promote the welfare of Nigerians and Africans living in Germany.
“This seminar is a direct response to growing community concerns and reflects our commitment to ensuring that our people are equipped with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their health,” he said.
Dr Ogun further noted that the online information session is part of a broader series of knowledge-sharing initiatives regularly organised by NIDO Germany. These include webinars and workshops on career development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, homeland investment and social integration, all aimed at supporting the empowerment of the African diaspora.
Participants expressed deep appreciation for the session, with many acknowledging in the chat room the relevance and timeliness of the topic. Several called for more initiatives focused on practical, everyday health challenges faced by Africans in Germany.
By hosting this informative and engaging session, NIDO Germany and the Diaspora Medical Mobile Clinic have not only raised awareness about preventive healthcare but have also reinforced the message that taking charge of one’s health is essential for a fulfilling and prosperous life in the diaspora.
Femi Awoniyi
About NIDO Germany e.V.
NIDO Germany is the German chapter of the global Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO). Its mandate is to promote the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora and to contribute to national development through investment, advocacy, networking, partnerships and bilateral cooperation. The organisation provides a platform for Nigerians and their partners to channel their efforts towards Nigeria’s development.
More information at: www.nido-germany.de
About Diaspora Medical Mobile Clinic e.V.
Initiated by the Ghana Ex-Servicemen Association Hamburg e. V., the Diaspora Medical Mobile Clinic provides healthcare across various African and minority communities in Hamburg and across Germany.
Its mission is to address health disparities in African communities by offering culturally responsive healthcare services. Through its mobile clinic, it provides health education, preventive care and primary medical services in partnership with local organisations and healthcare providers.
More information: https://diaspora-mobileclinic.de
