The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA-FCT) has advised residents to maintain clean environments and adopt healthy lifestyles to help prevent the spread of diseases. The advice was given by the chairman of NMA-FCT, Dr Emeka Ayogu, during a medical outreach on Tuesday in the Sauka community, Airport Road, FCT.
The outreach was part of the activities marking the association’s 2025 annual general meeting and scientific conference. Dr Ayogu stressed that while some diseases may not be preventable, a significant number of them are.
He urged residents to focus on reducing risk factors through proper hygiene and healthy living. The medical outreach highlights the NMA’s commitment to public health education and community engagement beyond the hospital setting.
“Residents must carry the cap of prevention by keeping a clean environment and adopting healthy habits.
“Many diseases can be avoided with simple lifestyle changes,” he said.
Ayogu explained that the outreach was targeted at underserved communities and aimed at helping the poor and vulnerable who struggled to access healthcare due to poverty, lack of information, or geographic barriers.
“This outreach is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.
“We are giving back to society by bringing healthcare to the doorsteps of people who need it the most,” he said.
He said that more than 200 residents of the Sauka community received free treatment for various health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, malaria, diarrhea, peptic ulcer disease, respiratory tract infections, musculoskeletal pain, common infections, eye conditions, and more.
“Some cases of diabetes, for example, are lifestyle-related. With better habits, they can be prevented.
“That’s why we are appealing to FCT residents to be vigilant and proactive about their health,” Ayogu added.
He also called on the government to significantly increase funding for the health sector.
According to him, Nigeria currently allocates less than 5 per cent of its national budget to health, far below the 15 per cent recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
“Nigeria is a country burdened by disease, and yet healthcare is underfunded. With a population of more than 200 million, the government must do more to meet the health needs of its people,” he said
