Elochukwu Benjamin
Enugu
The Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, has dismissed fears of a surge in kidney and cardiovascular diseases in the state, saying the apparent rise in reported cases is largely due to increased public awareness, improved access to health information and more people undergoing medical tests.
Recently, a social media philanthropist, Okwulora had trended a video on social media showing a large number of patients allegedly down with kidney diseases at a facility, calling for assistance.
The video had sparked fear and anxiety among the populace, especially considering the preponderance of the kinds of food said to be responsible for such health challenges, especially in the Southeast region.
Speaking to journalists in Enugu, Ugwu explained that many cases that would previously have gone undetected are now being identified because residents are becoming more conscious of their health and seeking medical examinations.
He, however, warned that unhealthy lifestyles remain major drivers of kidney and heart-related illnesses, citing poor nutrition, obesity, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption and indiscriminate use of medicines as significant risk factors.
The commissioner urged residents to reduce their intake of sugary, salty, oily and highly processed foods, while encouraging a return to locally produced meals, which he described as healthier and more nutritious than many packaged alternatives.
He lamented the growing perception that expensive processed foods represent affluence, warning that such eating habits contribute to obesity and other health complications.
Ugwu particularly advised people aged 40 and above to monitor their calorie intake, maintain a healthy weight and avoid excessive eating that often comes with increased financial comfort.
He also expressed concern over the dietary habits of young people, especially students who rely heavily on noodles and other convenience foods without balancing their meals with vegetables and protein.
According to him, poor dietary choices are often driven more by ignorance than poverty, as many people spend money on snacks and junk food instead of healthier and more affordable options.
The commissioner stressed the importance of regular exercise in preventing lifestyle-related diseases and warned against self-medication, particularly the abuse of painkillers, which can damage the kidneys.
He advised residents to obtain medicines only from credible sources and use them strictly as prescribed by qualified medical professionals.
On concerns about fake orthodox medicines and the growing use of herbal remedies, Ugwu said the two should not be viewed as alternatives.
He disclosed that the Enugu State Government is strengthening the regulation of health facilities and medical products while working towards sourcing medical supplies directly from manufacturers to improve the quality and safety of medicines.
The commissioner noted that although regulation remains a challenge, the Ministry of Health is intensifying enforcement, while NAFDAC continues efforts to combat counterfeit drugs through measures such as product verification codes.
He cautioned that unlike approved pharmaceutical products, which undergo extensive research and clinical testing, many herbal preparations lack established dosage standards and sufficient scientific evidence on their safety and effectiveness.
