Meet the Founders

A long time ago, long before Inocul8 had a logo, a clinic, or even a name—a seed was planted.

Farmers say the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the next best time is now. In many ways, that is how the Inocul8 story began: as a quiet seed of an idea that the future of health in Africa should be built on prevention, not on pain.

Inocul8 was officially founded in 2019 by Dr Osezua Momoh and Dr Emmanuel Egbroko, with a clear mission: to help families prevent communicable diseases. The spark for this mission, however, started years earlier. With a near-death experience Emmanuel had while serving as a Youth Corps member in Northern Nigeria.

Before Inocul8, they were just two young doctors in their twenties, full of questions and restless energy.

In 2016, Emmanuel and Momoh met at a Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center program at GIMPA in Accra, Ghana. Surrounded by other young leaders dreaming about the future of the continent, they began asking themselves a hard question:

“If we really want to change health in our country, where do we start?”

They both knew the truth: health insurance coverage was low, hospital wards were full, and people were still dying from diseases that had vaccines and simple preventive solutions. The more they spoke, the clearer it became—prevention wasn’t just important; it was the only logical starting point. Focusing on preventive healthcare, they decided, would be the best thing after sliced bread.

After YALI, life took them to different corners of Nigeria, but their shared mission followed them.

In December 2016, Momoh went to serve at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), where he helped manage people living with HIV.

Emmanuel served at the General Hospital in Minna, Niger State, where he provided access to medications for patients living with HIV.

There, Emmanuel witnessed the reality of preventable disease up close:

• He saw a high burden of hepatitis B among patients visiting the hospital.
• He saw children on the streets who had lost their limbs to poliovirus infection.
• He experienced communities struggling with poor access to clean water.

He carried these images with him and often called Momoh to share what he was seeing. Those conversations slowly turned into conviction: this was not how things had to be.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

In April 2017, Emmanuel fell critically ill and was hospitalised at the General Hospital in Minna with severe typhoid fever. Lying on the hospital bed, weak and unsure of what would happen next, he experienced firsthand what it meant to be on the other side of care—afraid, vulnerable, and dependent on a system already under pressure.

That hospital stay became his turning point.

It transformed their shared ideas from “someone should do something” into “we must build something.” That “something” eventually became Inocul8.

In Emmanuel’s words:

“We started Inocul8 to help people prevent infectious diseases because we didn’t want people to die from diseases that have affordable preventive solutions. I didn’t want people to experience what I went through in the hospital. I wanted access to prevention to be easy and convenient for everyone.”

From two young doctors with a shared conviction to a mission-driven brand, Inocul8 exists today because of one simple belief:

No one should suffer or die from a disease we already know how to prevent.

Protect your little one with Hepatitis Screening During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey filled with anticipation, dreams, and heavy responsibility. While many women focus on eating right, taking vitamins, and attending routine checkups, one important health check often goes unnoticed—hepatitis screening.

My Story

In 2021, I was posted to a general hospital in a South-South state of Nigeria for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Honestly, I wasn’t thrilled. I had hoped for a big city experience—Abuja, Lagos, or even Port Harcourt. I tried every connection I had, but nothing worked. Eventually, I packed my bags and made the long, bumpy journey to my new station. As I watched the endless stretch of bushes pass by, I cried. This wasn’t the NYSC I imagined, but everything changed when I arrived at the hospital. 

Next to the main hospital stood a beautifully structured building with the sign: “Maternity Referral Centre.” That building gave me hope—it stood as a testament to something good happening in that community. I soon learned from one of the nurses that the state government had built the Centre to reduce the high maternal death rate in the area. Most women in the community gave birth at home or with traditional birth attendants, without proper medical supervision. Sadly, complications were common. Many of these complications led to death.

Over time, some of these mothers and their babies would come to the hospital with unusual symptoms such as yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Most tests revealed that both mother and child were hepatitis positive. Shocked, many mothers would ask, “How could my baby have hepatitis?”

That question sparked a wave of awareness in the community about the importance of antenatal care, including hepatitis screening. Gradually, more women started showing up for proper checkups, and the maternity Centre became a beacon of hope and life. That experience solidified my passion for maternal health. Finally, I was starting to find purpose in this place.

Here is what every woman should know about hepatitis during pregnancy

Hepatitis

A viral infection that affects the liver and results in inflammation. 

There are 5 types of hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.  Hepatitis B and C are the deadliest forms of Hepatitis, leading to chronic diseases which, if not properly managed, can lead to liver failure or liver cancers. 

How is Hepatitis B transmitted?

Hepatitis can be transmitted from person to person by direct blood contact, unprotected sex, sharing hygienic equipment like a razor, toothbrush or earrings, sharing needles, tattoos, piercings, barbers or during circumcisions and from a mother to her child during birth.

Hepatitis in pregnancy

Viral hepatitis in pregnancy increases the risk for pregnancy‐related complications, as well as the risks associated with acute and chronic liver disease for both the mother and the infant as a result of mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT). When a woman is pregnant, undetected hepatitis increases the risk of transmitting the virus to her baby, either during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (in the case of Hepatitis B). Hepatitis in pregnancy can result in preterm birth (premature baby), abruption of the placenta, low birth weight, fetal distress, still birth, acute liver failure, and in the mother, hypertension in pregnancy can be observed as reported also in the community where I served. 

Signs and symptoms to look out for

At the early stage of hepatitis infection, there are usually no signs. Absolutely nothing tells you something is wrong there, but as the virus continues to infiltrate the liver, you begin to notice jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and extreme fatigue. While these symptoms can also indicate other disease states, screening for hepatitis is the most effective way for you to know you have hepatitis.

Preventing Hepatitis

• Get screened to know your status as early detection saves.
• Vaccination provides over 95% protection against Hepatitis A and B.
• Proper hygiene like, washing hands after using the toilet and eating properly washed and cooked food can help prevent infection with Hepatitis A and E.
• Practice safe sex; using a condom.
• Avoid sharing personal items and sharp objects.

Stay tuned for part 2. There you will see practical steps to keeping your baby safe.

 

 

Embarking on a journey to safeguard your well-being starts with knowledge and proactive choices. In recognition of Cervical Health Awareness Month, we delve into some cervical health essentials by answering frequently asked questions.

 

Understanding the significance of early detection and prevention strategies can be pivotal in steering the course towards a healthier future for you and your family.

 

WHAT IS PAP SMEAR TEST?

This is simply a cancer screening test (most especially for Cervical cancer), which is done to detect any cell abnormality. It could also be done together with HPV Tests to identify if any of the high-risk strains are present within the body.

 

HOW LONG DOES THE PAP TEST TAKE?

The procedure for collecting the specimen doesn’t take more than 30 mins. The results are usually out anywhere between two to three weeks.

 

IS THE PAP TEST PAINFUL?

I wouldn’t say it is or isn’t; however, I will say that if there is pain, it’s a bearable one.

Women who have had to do the test or who have had to do a vaginal examination would relate better.

 

HOW ACCURATE IS A PAP SMEAR TEST?

It is highly accurate and recommended as the foremost means of cervical cancer screening.

 

HOW OFTEN IS THE PAP TEST NEEDED?

You need to do the test routinely every 3-5 years.

 

WHAT IS CERVICAL CANCER?

This type of cancer affects the Cervix ( mouth of the womb). It sounds serious, right? That is because it is, and we stress it a lot.

 

HOW COMMON IS CERVICAL CANCER?

Cervical cancer and Breast cancer are the two most common types of cancer in women, so yes, it’s pretty much common.

 

IS EVERY WOMAN AT RISK OF HAVING CERVICAL CANCER?

Yes, being of reproductive age and equally being sexually active is all the risk it takes. So yes, even girls as young as 13 are at risk once they hit puberty and engage in sexual activity.

 

WHAT CAUSES CERVICAL CANCER?

HPV. HPV has so many strains that cause different illnesses, but there are some specific cancer-causing strains (mostly type 16 and 18) which are very much present in Nigeria.

Smoking, overuse of contraceptives and autoimmune disorders also cause a small percentage of cervical cancer.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL CANCER?

Sometimes, it could be silent without symptoms, which is typical cancer behaviour until it gets serious. This is why we opt for regular Pap smear tests for early detection.

In later stages, symptoms could include:

• • pain in the pelvis (waist)
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Abnormal, irregular, or heavy menstruation or even spotting.
  • Abnormal vaginal discharge or bleeding.
  • Fatigue
  • Weight loss and
  • Nausea

 

WHAT OTHER COMPLICATIONS CAN I GET FROM CERVICAL CANCER?

Having the cancer itself is all the complications a person could need.

Aside from the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body, it would eventually lead to death if not detected on time or handled effectively.

Cervical cancer affects both the physical and mental health of people.

 

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM CERVICAL CANCER?

You can start by getting vaccinated against HPV, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. This is a very important part of taking charge of your health.

Also, maintaining a good sexual habit by using condoms and sticking to a single sexual partner could drastically reduce the risk of exposure.

 

WHERE CAN I GET THE PAP SMEAR DONE?

You can book your HPV screening or pap smear and get it done in the comfort of your home anywhere in Lagos. Or visit any Inocul8 access point across the country. Call us or send us a WhatsApp Message at +2347063736485 or email us at clinic[at]inocul8.com.ng

 

WHERE CAN I GET THE HPV VACCINE?

Like the test, you can have the vaccination done anywhere you choose -at home, your office or any of our vaccination access points. Make your bookings at cowva.com/booking or reach us at +2347063736485 if you are unsure which HPV vaccine is right for you.

 

This week, we take a deep dive into the most asked-about diseases from last week’s edition – MMR.

 

The MMR disease, also known as Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, is a combined term encompassing three distinct viral infections that are highly contagious, each with its own symptoms and severe complications that can lead to death.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) statistics report, between 2000 and 2021, measles vaccination played a pivotal role in preserving the lives of 56 million individuals. However, despite the existence of a safe and affordable vaccine, 2021 witnessed a distressing figure of approximately 128,000 measles-related fatalities worldwide, predominantly among children under the age of 5 who were either unvaccinated or insufficiently vaccinated. In 2022, only 83% of children worldwide received their initial measles vaccine dose by the age of one, marking the lowest vaccination rate since 2008.

 

In The News: Is MMR trying to make a comeback?

In London, parents are being issued a 21-day isolation notice if their children’s measles vaccinations are not up-to-date. The UK Health Security Agency has raised concerns about the potential for tens of thousands of cases, and is urging more people to get the MMR vaccine to prevent a major outbreak.

 

You need not worry because the MMR vaccination can provide protection for both you and your child.

 

“Measles is an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus that can result in complications such as brain injury, pneumonia, and even death. Symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, cough, and red or watery eyes. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can remain active in the air for up to 2 hours, making it highly infectious.

 

Mumps, also caused by a virus, leads to symptoms like fever, headache, tiredness, and loss of appetite. Swollen cheeks or a swollen jawline, known as parotitis, is a characteristic sign of the disease. It also spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person and can result in complications such as testicular inflammation in males and ovarian inflammation in females, which, although rare, can be serious.

 

Rubella, often called German measles causes symptoms like fever, a sore throat, rash, and itchy eyes. It primarily affects children, and they usually recover quickly with no lasting effects. However, it poses a significant risk to pregnant women if they become infected, potentially causing birth defects like deafness, blindness, heart defects, or intellectual disabilities.

 

The most effective way to prevent these diseases is through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is both safe and efficient in preventing Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, along with their associated complications. This vaccine has substantially lowered the occurrence of these diseases, underscoring the crucial role of immunization in safeguarding public health.”

 

Get vaccinated against MMR disease today!

 

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