By Suleiman Anyalewechi
An Environmental Health Expert, and Head of Public Health Department of Aba South Local Council of Abia State Mrs Onyinyechi Nwaigwe has called on Non Governmental organizations ,Government at all levels, and other Non State actors local and international to pay more attention to preventive than curative measures in combating most diseases ravaging the society.
Her appeal is coming on the heels of fears being entertained by most residents of Aba, the densely populated commercial hub of Abia state over potent threats posed to public health by the unhealthy and indiscriminate disposal of waste products into open streets and drainages by residents particularly public institutions like Hotels .
The Source reports that most private and residential buildings and hotels are built by their owners without due consideration to the provisions of some necessary facilities such as soakaways and other waste disposal devices, preferring instead to channel waste such as faeces in to public drainages.
In an interactive session with the Media on Wednesday, March 13, Mrs Nwaigwe said preventive Healthcare remains the most effective and cost effective means of maintaining a healthy condition of living.
According to her, if only non- state actors, and governmental agencies can pay as much attention to preventive healthcare ,as being accorded curative ,the society would have gone far on the good health maintenance indices .
” Every year humongous amounts are allotted to combating such health challenges as malaria for instance. But if you pay attention to the provision of a healthy environment and combat the breeding of mosquitoes ,then you will have less malaria infections. You will discover that ,you will be spending less in the prevention of malaria ,than its treatment.
“This is why we prefer to work towards preventive healthcare ,because when one contracts a serious disease,that is preventable, the resources and other things it will take to cure may not be readily available .
“So let government at all levels and NGO’s focus on preventive healthcare.” Mrs Nwaigwe admonished.
Mrs Nwaigwe, while calling on the public to assist them with credible intelligence on any premises encouraging and causing polution , also said that ,the Environmental Health authorities of the Aba South Council is already monitoring the alleged unhealthy waste disposal attitude of some Aba residents and business operators.
“We are determined to make this City (Aba) safe and healthy . We need the cooperation of Aba residents to end the menace of indiscriminate waste disposal.
“Such a thing can cause epidemics and put peoples, lives in danger .Epidemic is no respecter of any person .One thing is very clear, and that is why I am advocating preventive healthcare.. Health the say is wealth .
“When one is sick, already, all attention will focus on the cure .So for the individuals contributing to this health hazard, we shall get them and prosecute them accordingly”
 safe and healthy . We need the cooperation of Aba residents to end the menace of indiscriminate waste disposal.){kind=link}