By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN) has strengthened its collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, by providing free eye screening and reading glasses to journalists aged 40 and above.
Speaking during the outreach at the NUJ Press Centre in Jos, CHAN Country Director and Secretary General, Dr. Suleiman Mshelia, said the partnership with the NUJ would help expand the organisation’s reach and increase public awareness of its healthcare interventions.
Dr. Mshelia explained that non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, heart disease and diabetes, are among the leading causes of death globally and can significantly affect eye health if not properly managed.
He expressed concern over the declining life expectancy of Nigerians, noting that many people now die in their 50s and 60s, whereas previous generations often lived into their 80s and 90s.
According to him, scientific research has identified genes associated with longevity in people who live between 90 and 100 years, adding that regular physical exercise can help activate these beneficial genes, even in individuals who may not naturally possess them.
He also stressed the importance of healthy eating, saying traditional diets are generally more nutritious than modern processed foods.
He advised Nigerians to consume more natural, unprocessed foods while avoiding refined and artificial ingredients.
Dr. Mshelia recommended increased consumption of colourful fruits and vegetables, including apples, strawberries and beetroot, noting that they contain beneficial plant compounds that promote good health.
He also cautioned against overcooking vegetables, saying excessive heat destroys essential nutrients.
He reiterated the need for stronger collaboration between CHAN and the NUJ to improve healthcare awareness and service delivery across the country.
Dr. Mshelia explained that CHAN is the umbrella organisation coordinating Christian faith-based health institutions in Nigeria.
Headquartered in Jos, the association has zonal offices in Numan, Jos, Owerri and Ibadan.
He added that CHAN is a member of the African Christian Health Associations Platform (ACHAP) and provides about 40 percent of healthcare services in Nigeria, with nearly 70 percent of its services delivered in hard-to-reach communities through its network of faith-based institutions.
According to him, the association currently has 684 registered member institutions, comprising healthcare facilities and health training institutions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Mrs. Ayuku Pwaspo, said the partnership demonstrates the council’s commitment to promoting CHAN’s activities through increased media visibility.
She noted that the free eye screening and distribution of reading glasses were organised specifically for journalists aged 40 years and above as part of efforts to encourage preventive healthcare among media professionals.
