The Ekiti State government has launched a campaign to encourage residents to prioritize their health and wellbeing by maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. Dr Oyebanji Filani, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, emphasized that this approach is cost-effective in preventing diseases. He made this statement while flagging off a three-day Health Awareness and Medical Outreach in Ado Ekiti.
Filani, represented by Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility. He noted that while the government is responsible for providing infrastructure and sanitation facilities, community leaders and individuals must also play their part in keeping their surroundings clean.
The Health Awareness and Medical Outreach, organized by Optimal Health and Peacemakers Community Development Foundation in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government, offered free screening services for residents. Filani encouraged people to take advantage of this opportunity, engage with healthcare professionals, and follow up on any health conditions detected.
Prof Kayode Olabanji, Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, highlighted that disease prevention is a key aspect of the state government's health agenda. He emphasized that reducing preventable infections can help families save on treatment costs, reduce school absenteeism, and improve productivity.
Olabanji advised residents to make personal and environmental cleanliness a daily habit. He suggested simple practices such as washing hands properly, keeping bodies and clothes clean, maintaining hygienic toilets and safe water sources, and disposing of waste responsibly. Eliminating stagnant water around homes and ensuring proper food preparation were also recommended.
Dr Abraham Hollist, CEO of Optimal Health, shared his personal experience of managing sickle cell disease in his family. He stated that a holistic approach to care helped his son avoid hospitalization during the first five years of his life. Hollist emphasized the importance of preventive healthcare and encouraged residents to be proactive about their health.
The outreach event provided various health services, including health education, free blood sugar and blood pressure screening, eye tests, and distribution of drugs to beneficiaries. Julianah Ojo, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the intervention, which she believes will contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of residents.
Key points
- Dr Oyebanji Filani urges residents to maintain personal and environmental hygiene to prevent diseases and improve quality of life.
- The Ekiti State government, through the Health Awareness and Medical Outreach, offers free screening services to encourage residents to prioritize their health.
- Disease prevention remains central to the state government's health agenda, with a focus on reducing preventable infections and promoting healthy practices.
