By Maryam Diallo Dakar
The house-to-house health policy campaign organised by Njir Hoba Foundation, in collaboration with Sabon Gari Ward and Kudendah Community, is ongoing and making positive impact on public health awareness.
In an interview, the Officer-in-Charge of Primary Health Care (PHC) in Sabon Gari Ward, Mrs Beatrice Weno, commended the initiative and described it as timely and important. She stated that while Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat some diseases, it does not cure the harmful effects of tobacco, especially conditions like tuberculosis (TB). According to her, smoking affects the entire body and weakens overall health.
Mrs Weno explained that the health facility regularly educates residents on the dangers of smoking and praises the house-to-house approach for reaching people directly in their homes. She encouraged the group to continue the campaign and welcomed the prevention posters provided by the foundation for display at the health facility, adding that more such materials are needed.
Speaking on the same issue, the Focal Person of Sabon Gari Ward, Mallam Galadina Idris, clarified that Azithromycin is used to manage certain health conditions but is not a treatment for tuberculosis or tobacco-related lung damage. He explained that tuberculosis is very dangerous because it destroys lung cells and can lead to serious health complications that affect breathing.
Mallam Idris noted that the campaign supports ongoing efforts to discourage young people from smoking. He added that Community Drug Dispensers (CDDs) interact with caregivers during Azithromycin administration and use the opportunity to educate them on the dangers of smoking. He described the work of Njir Hoba Foundation, the ward team, and the CDDs as critical, saying they are dealing directly with human lives. He praised the initiative and encouraged the team to continue saving lives.
Also speaking, Alhaji Khalid Idris, the Sarkin Sabon Gari Nasarawa under Chikun Local Government, appreciated the efforts of Njir Hoba Foundation and the Community Drug Dispensers. He said the palace takes firm action against any community leader found misusing harmful substances and remains committed to protecting the health of the community.
The traditional ruler added that the palace is ready to enforce government guidelines whenever provided and encouraged the foundation to support the CDDs with allowances to help sustain the house-to-house campaign.
The spokesperson for the group Mallam Lawal Magaji said that the initiative will continue and spread to other wards
