From HASSAN SHALLPELLA, Yola
Following reports of diphtheria, hepatitis and malaria in Adamawa State and other parts of the country, the Muslim Orphans, Widows and Indigent Committee has sensitised orphans, widows and guardians on disease prevention.
Speaking during the awareness programme, pharmacist Maryam Yahaya urged participants to observe health guidelines and maintain good personal hygiene to reduce their risk of infection.
She explained that diphtheria could present with symptoms including mild fever, sore throat, swollen neck glands, difficulty breathing and swallowing, weakness, rashes and painful open sores.
“Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial infection which primarily affects the nose and throat and usually appears between two to five days after exposure,” she said.
Yahaya described the reported increase in diphtheria cases as alarming and stressed the need for people to recognise the symptoms and seek appropriate medical care.
She also spoke about hepatitis, advising people who develop symptoms to report promptly to a health facility for medical attention and to avoid exposing others.
Turning to malaria, laboratory technician Malama Maryam Adamu said the disease could be life-threatening, particularly among children under five.
She urged families to take preventive measures, including regular use of treated mosquito nets, particularly by pregnant women.
At Shagari Primary Healthcare Centre, Yola Town, officer-in-charge Balkisu Abdullahi stressed the importance of immunisation and regular handwashing in preventing diseases among children.
“Mothers can improve the well-being of their children by adhering to all stages of immunisation from zero to nine years,” she said.
“If a child succeeds in getting a full dose of the immunisation, he/she may likely not be infected with such diseases because the immunisation boosts their immunity to be protected against diseases.”
Earlier, Chairman of the Shagari Muslim Orphans, Widows and Indigent Committee, Shehu Aliyu, advised residents to follow medical advice and report sick persons to the nearest health facility.
He said Shagari Healthcare Centre had collaborated with the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, to provide quality healthcare services to residents and urged them to take advantage of the partnership.