It is of paramount importance for one to visit
doctors at least twice a year for a proper checkup. As the saying goes; “Prevention
is better than cure.”
In line with this old axiom, experts are
increasingly advocating preventive healthcare to confirm that ‘a stitch in time
saves nine.’
Dr. Jide Idris, Lagos State Commissioner for Health,
has restated government’s commitment to promoting preventive health care in the
state.
According to Wikipedia, preventive healthcare
consists of measures taken for disease prevention, as opposed to disease
treatment. Just as health comprises a variety of physical and mental states, so
do disease and disability, which are affected by environmental factors, genetic
predisposition, disease agents, and lifestyle choices.
Idris stressed on preventive healthcare during a
sensitisation walk and symposium, part of activities to mark World Health Day
in Lagos on Monday.
The event was organised by the state Ministry of
Health in conjunction with Tolaram Africa Enterprises Limited, makers of Hypo
Bleach.
The Health Ministry boss said the idea is to promote
healthy living through the use of hypo, which is perceived as just a whitening
agent but also a disinfectant.
Aimed at educating the participants on how to keep
the environment clean to prevent common diseases, the occasion was attended by
hundreds of women and youths from different walks of life.
The commissioner who was represented by Dr.
Olurotimi Agbolagoriite, the Director in the Directorate of Disease Control,
said one can only handle and tackle any task if one has good health.
“Consequently,” he said, “our health is very
paramount in achieving our set goals in life without any hindrances.”
Emphasising on the need for every individual to
maintain a healthy lifestyle, Idris said, “The world health day is targeted to
boost awareness on the importance of living a very healthy lifestyle that
guarantees good health, like the popular adage which says, ‘Health is wealth.”
With the growing population of over 24 million
people, he also said the state government had taken a bold step to address the
issue of ‘Universal health coverage,’ the theme of this year’s celebration with
the launching of its health insurance scheme.
Idris added that the Lagos State Government was also
committed to the provision of good and qualitative, affordable and accessible
health care system for the citizens.
Also speaking, Dr. Lola Akande, Commissioner for
Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, commended makers of Hypo bleach for
organising the symposium, saying that the company had made marks by focusing on
a need which had existed since the beginning of time.
Akande, who was represented by Oluwatoyin Odusanya,
a director in the ministry, said the government saw Hypo brand as a partner in
the progress to evolve a healthier Lagos, using multi-faceted approaches, while
putting high premium on women empowerment.
On his part, Mr. Asagbra Onome, the Brand Manager of
Hypo Bleach, stated that his company decided to partner with Lagos state to
create awareness on the theme of this year’s event, which is “Universal Health
Coverage: Everyone, Everywhere.”
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