by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
A door-to-door health policy campaign recently embarked upon by by Njir Hoba Foundation, in partnership with Sabon Gari Ward and Kudendah Community, is receiving strong support from health officials and community leaders as it continues to raise awareness on public health issues.
Speaking during an interview, the Officer-in-Charge of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Sabon Gari Ward, Mrs Beatrice Weno, praised the campaign and described it as a “timely intervention.”
She explained that “Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain illnesses but does not address the health damage caused by tobacco use, especially tuberculosis (TB),” noting that, “Smoking weakens the body and exposes individuals to serious diseases.”
Mrs. Weno added that the health facility regularly educates community members on the dangers of smoking and commended the house-to-house strategy for reaching families directly in their homes.
She encouraged the organisers to continue with the initiative and welcomed the anti-smoking awareness posters provided by the foundation, stressing the need for more educational materials in health centres.
On his part, the Focal Person of Sabon Gari Ward, Mallam Galadina Idris, explained that Azithromycin helps manage some health conditions “but is not used in the treatment of tuberculosis or tobacco-related lung damage.”
He said “Tuberculosis is a serious disease that destroys lung cells and can severely affect breathing,” adding that, “The campaign aligns with efforts to protect young people from smoking.”
He explained that Community Drug Dispensers (CDDs) used the opportunity of drug administration to educate caregivers on the harmful effects of tobacco, describing the work of Njir Hoba Foundation, ward officials, and CDDs as vital, adding that their activities directly impact human lives. He applauded the team and urged them to continue their life-saving work.
Also lending his voice, the Sarkin Sabon Gari Nasarawa (under Chikun Local Government), Alhaji Khalid Idris, commended Njir Hoba Foundation and the Community Drug Dispensers for their commitment to community health.
The Sarikin Sabon Gari said the palace does not tolerate substance misuse among community leaders and remains dedicated to safeguarding the wellbeing of residents.
The traditional ruler further stated that the palace is ready to enforce government health guidelines whenever they are issued, and also encouraged the Foundation to provide allowances to the Community Drug Dispensers to help sustain the door-to-door campaign.
Spokesperson for the Foundation, Engr Umaru Hassan, emphasized that, “This initiative will continue and spread to other wards and states.”