WHO WE ARE
Thyroidism Awareness and Support Initiative (TASI) is a not-for-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for individuals affected by thyroid disease across Nigeria and Africa.
Our History
Founded in August 2017 and officially registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria, Thyroid Awareness And Support Initiative (TASI) commenced full operations in January 2018. As Nigeria’s foremost thyroid organization, we focus on raising awareness and supporting individuals affected by thyroid disease.
Thyroid Awareness And Support Initiative (TASI) was born from the pain and challenges faced by our founder during her four-year battle with thyroid disorders. The experience highlighted the fear, financial constraints, negligence by healthcare providers, and lack of awareness that many patients endure. TASI aims to bridge these gaps and provide essential support.
In line with the Global Goals (Sustainable Development Goals 2030), specifically Goal 3 (Health and Well-Being), we advocate for equitable healthcare access for all, especially the less privileged. We are committed to elevating thyroid disease as a primary health challenge deserving significant attention, alongside other health issues like HIV/AIDS, cancer, tuberculosis, and diabetes.
Join us in raising awareness and improving diagnosis.
Research indicates that thyroid disease is underreported in Nigeria due to misdiagnosis and insufficient awareness, as its symptoms often mimic those of more common diseases.
Our Vision
To raise global awareness about the dangers and risks of thyroid disorders, particularly their impact on reproductive and mental health in developing countries. We seek local and international collaborative support to combat this health issue effectively.
Help us combat the dangers of thyroid disorders
Support our mission for better health today!
Our Mission
To act as a catalyst for aggregating resources to support patients in accessing care and treatment, and to transform the discourse surrounding the treatment and management of thyroid diseases.
Our Aims and Objectives
- Awareness: Educate patients and the general public through mass media and social media about the dangers and risks of thyroid disease.
- Medical Support: Assist patients in accessing proper medical diagnoses and treatments.
- Funding: Raise funds from donors and partners to aid patients and support our programs.
- Partnerships: Collaborate with health institutions for diagnosis and treatment.
- Information Exchange: Provide a platform for sharing ideas and experiences among stakeholders.
- Counselling: We help patient conquer stigma and fear by offering them psychological and physical support
Help us combat the dangers of thyroid disorders
Support our mission for better health today!
Our Activities
Awareness Campaigns
Conduct massive awareness and medical outreach initiatives in both rural and urban communities.
Medical Missions
Collaborate with health-based NGOs and healthcare providers to offer free diagnoses, medications, counseling, and treatment.
Advocacy Visits
Engage community leaders to combat stigma and abuse faced by thyroid disease patients.
Public Lectures
Host annual lectures aligned with the Thyroid Federation International themes.
Adopt-a-Patient Program
Facilitate individual, corporate, or organizational sponsorship of patients’ medical expenses.
Support Groups
Establish support groups for patients, survivors, and families to share experiences and information, both online and in-person quarterly.
Surgical Outreach
Organize free surgical outreach programs in partnership with qualified surgeons.
Media Engagement
Utilize social media and traditional media to raise awareness about thyroid diseases.
Inclusivity is at the core of our campaigns, ensuring that individuals living with disabilities are included in our outreach efforts.
Endorsement
Thyroid Awareness And Support Initiative (TASI) is endorsed by the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, a testament to our diligence in planning and executing impactful programs. The Lagos State Ministry of Health also provides technical support for our project implementations.
Membership
We are proud to be the first member organization in Africa approved by the Thyroid Federation International (TFI) in Canada. Additionally, Thyroid Awareness And Support Initiative (TASI) is a member of the Nigerian Network of NGOs, which regulates the affairs of non-governmental organizations in Nigeria.
Future Plans
- Government Partnerships: Collaborate with federal, state, and local governments to enhance our outreach.
- Expanded Awareness: Spread awareness of thyroid disease beyond Nigeria and throughout Africa.
- Media Engagement: Utilize electronic and print media locally and internationally.
- Support Centers: Establish well-equipped thyroid support centers to serve as hubs for solutions, offering access to relevant medical specialists and therapeutic facilities.
- Donor Partnerships: Seek support and partnership with donor agencies and international organizations to achieve our goals.
- Data Collection: Engage in systematic data collection to inform our programs.
- Advocacy Efforts: Push for legislative actions to incorporate thyroid disease into national health agendas, advocate for patient rights, and secure funding for research.
Together, we can change the narrative surrounding thyroid disease and improve the lives of those affected by it. Thank you for joining us on this journey!
Our Pillars
Amb. Iruoma Ofortube
President/Founder
Hon. Cally Odoemenam
Chairman
Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade
of Endocrinology
Dr Adefemi Afolabi
Consultant Surgical Endocrinologist, UCH Ibadan.
Founder of Thyroid Care association of Nigeria
DR BANKOLE
DR OJO
Chairman
Afolabi Oluwakemi Precious
Project Coordinator