The second round of the azithromycin drug dispensing exercise, which took place in Kaduna state from 15th to 19th of this month, has opened a strong opportunity for a house-to-house tobacco control and policy awareness campaign across Sabon Gari Nasarawa and Kudendah wards.
The initiative is being led by the Njir Hoba Foundation, in collaboration with Sabon Gari and Kudendah ward stakeholders, using the azithromycin house-to-house drug administration as an effective platform to reach households directly with tobacco prevention messages.
Speaking during the campaign, Mohammad Lawal, the Ladam of the Mosque of Gidan Marafa on Matawali Street in Sabon Gari Nasarawa, said religious leaders will continue preaching against the sale and use of tobacco and other dangerous substances. He noted that while government authorities have the power to stop the sale of tobacco, religious institutions will continue to educate and warn the public about its harmful effects and the sale of Tobacco.
On her part, Hajiya Maryam Khalid, wife of the Sarkin Sabon Gari Nasarawa, pledged to take up the issue of banning the sale of tobacco cigarettes as a matter for action within the Zumunchi Association (Women for Women), a group she belongs to. She said women will stand collectively to appeal to the palace of Sarki Khalid Idris, to consider banning the sale of tobacco and other harmful substances in the community due to their damaging effects on children.
According to the Secretary of Njir Hoba Foundation, Engr. Umar Hassan, the foundation has been working closely with grassroots community leaders to ensure that tobacco policy and prevention efforts are community-driven and sustainable. Supporting this, the Secretary of Sabon Gari, Malam Lawal Magaji, expressed full support for the campaign, describing it as a vital step toward protecting the health of the people.
Organisers emphasized that while azithromycin helps protect children from certain infections, it does not cure or reverse the harmful effects of tobacco use. Households are therefore being encouraged to quit tobacco use and reject its sale within their communities.
Although the azithromycin drug dispensing exercise has ended on 19th of this month and the next round is expected to commence in five to six months, organizers confirmed that the tobacco policy and prevention campaign will continue through community engagement, advocacy, and grassroots action.
