…As School Health Clubs Inaugurated
By Usman Usman Garba
In an effort to ensure clear, accurate, and culturally appropriate messages on diphtheria and cholera are disseminated, the state Ministry of Health and Breakthrough Action Nigeria have organized a 3-Day Message Development Workshop on Diphtheria and Cholera.
In his opening remarks during the work that took place in the metropolis, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, maintained that public health threats like cholera and diphtheria continue to pose significant risks to the well-being of the communities, especially during the outbreaks.
He noted that it is, therefore, necessary to disseminate realistic messages, not only to inform but to empower communities to take preventive actions against cholera and diphtheria, believing that this will address misinformation and disinformation, negating the effort of combating the diseases more effectively.
The commissioner emphasized that the health of the people is a collective responsibility of all the stakeholders; health workers, traditional leaders, community-based organizations and the media, adding that “The messages we are going to craft will serve as a powerful tool in our fight against these diseases, guiding behaviour, fostering trust in health interventions and ultimately saving lives.”
Represented by the acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Shehu Sani Shehu, Dr Labaran charged the participants to develop messages that would educate people on the dangers of diphtheria and cholera and how to protect themselves and others against the threats they might pose.
Part of the objectives of the workshop, the State Lead, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Ahmad Muazu, stated is to develop standardized and accurate communication messages about cholera and diphtheria prevention, symptoms and treatment that resonate with different communities across the state as well as to develop messages that debunk myths, misconceptions and rumours surrounding cholera and diphtheria by ensuring the dissemination of correct information.
On the establishment of the school health clubs, the commissioner explained that schools were the foundation of a healthier future, adding that by integrating health education into the activities of secondary schools, the government is investing hugely in the next generation.
Dr. Labaran explained that the clubs would serve as platforms for promoting health behaviour, raising awareness on communicable and non-communicable diseases as well and creating a culture of health consciousness among young people, assuring that “It is through such efforts that we can build resilient communities that are equipped to prevent and manage health challenges.”
He commended the Breakthrough Action Nigeria project for the resourceful support of the workshop and their commitment to advancing public health in Kano state.
