— by Sarah Joseph – (Wednesday, October 30th, 2024) —
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare has called for increased awareness on steps to improved health of Nigerians.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, while revealing that 29 October has been set as a day to celebrate health promotion in the country, said the main objective of the Day is to improve the responsiveness of every Nigerian to disease prevention.
Described as non-communicable diseases that kills silently, they include hypertension, diabetes, cancer, stressing, there are certain actions an individual can as well take to prevent complications from those diseases that are silent killers like hypertension.
In a statement signed and issued by the Head, Information & PR of the Ministry, Alaba Balogun, on Tuesday, said Prof. Pate revealed these at a Press Briefing organized by the Family Health Department of the Ministry, in commemoration of the maiden National Health Promotion Day.
Themed ”Health Promotion: The Catalyst for Sustainable Health and Well- being of Nigerians”, the National Health Promotion Day is aimed to educating Nigerians, including children, the young and old to have a healthy lifestyle.
Speaking on existing collaboration with state and local government authorities, the Coordinating Minister affirmed that the 36 State Commissioners for Health and that of the Federal Capital Territory are partnering with the Federal Government to launch the ‘Know and Control your Number’ campaign across the country to prevent complications caused by diseases.
The Minister called for regular check of blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels.
Country Representative, World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo commended Prof. Pate and his team for leadership and commitment to promoting health in the Health Sector Renewal Initiative through Sector Wide Approach ( SWAp).
He affirmed that the theme of the National Health Promotion aligns with the World Health Assembly resolution 76.7 which member states, including Nigeria, adopted in May, 2023.
The Permanent Secretary of the Health and Social Welfare Ministry, Daju Kachollom, mni, said health promotion is effective for individual and collective health actions aimed at preventing diseases, and improving the health and well-being of the populace.
Represented by Dr. Olubunmi Aribeani, Director, Food and Drugs Department of the Ministry, she acknowledged the importance of promoting health literacy amongst Nigerians.