ANAMBRA State Government in partnership with Society for Public Health and Social Development has distributed not less than 32 units of high blood pressure kits to indigenes of Awkuzu in Oyi Local Government Area, LGA.

The distribution was made at Awkuzu Civic Centre during inauguration of Community Action against Non-Communicable Diseases, COMAAND, by Joe Akabuike, Anambra Commissioner for Health.

Akabuike, who was represented by the Deputy Director Pharmarcy, Mr Azubuike Nwizu expressed joy at the “Think Back Home philosophy’’, demonstrated by the initiator of the project, who pledged government’s support.

Akabuike called on other public-spirited citizens of Anambra to emulate the humanitarian gesture, in order to affect lives, especially at the grassroots.

The health commissioner noted that regular blood pressure check in the hospitals and at home would reduce risk of hypertension, which was the underlying risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney and other ailments.

In a keynote address Consultant Cardiologist, University of Abuja, Prof.  Augustine Odili an indigene of Awkazu, said that non-communicable diseases were responsible for death of not less than 36 million people annually, world-wide.

“Every Nigerian has at least a first degree relation, who is either living with disability as a result of previous stroke or died from stroke,’’ he said.

Prof. Odili urged all participants that received the blood pressure kits to use them regularly since prevention would be better than cure.

In a goodwill message, Ifeanyi Okoye, chief executive officer, JUHEL Pharmaceuticals,  who was represented by Emeka Oguji, commended Odili for taking bold steps in waging war against hypertension in his hometown and promised to support him.

Okoye who donated drugs to Awkuzu Primary Health Centre (PHC) to complement effort of the initiator of the project, urged the indigenes to access medical health services from the PHC.

The event featured the distribution of blood pressure kits to indigenes of the community.

– Jul. 17, 2018 @ 19:09 GMT |