By Vincent Obi
Enugu, June 11, 2024 – An appeal has gone to the Federal and state governments to implement the public health laws in their domains, as a way of promoting and protecting the well-being of Nigerians.
Justice Chinyere Ani of the Enugu State High Court, stated this on Tuesday in Enugu during the inauguration of the National Association of Health Educators and Practitioners (NAHE&P), Enugu State Chapter.
Justice Ani, the guest lecturer at the event, said Nigeria does not need to enact new laws but should rather implement the already enacted ones, hinting that the country had enough laws on public health.
She regretted that the right to health as enshrined in Section 260 of the 1999 Constitution was not justiciable, noting that Nigerians can only qualify with public health when the section is justiciable.
The judge advised the people against doing something that would endanger their health, including burying loved ones in a house where people are living, pointing out that Section 246 of the Criminal Code outlaws such act.
Ani urged the people to form the habit of burying their loved ones at the cemetery to avoid outbreak of any disease as a result of the practice, and challenged the association to educate the people effectively.
Earlier, the National President of the NAHE&P, Prof. Raheem Adarama, revealed that the major thrust of the association was to empower the individuals, communities and nations to take control of their health and well-being.
Adarama, who was represented by the Anambra State President of the association, Rev. Sr. Chrysantus Onwurah, declared that health education was a fundamental human right.
According to Adarama, every individual deserves access to accurate information, resources, and support to make informed decisions about their health.
He said: “As health educators and practitioners, we play a vital role in shaping the health landscape of our country.
“We are the catalyst for positive change, the champions of health promotion, and advocates for health equity.
“Our work has the power to transform lives, break down barriers and build a healthier future for all.”
In her remark, the Enugu State President of the Association, Prof. Ngozi Ani, reiterated that the association would embark on massive public health education across the state to enlighten and encourage the people prevent themselves from contacting disease.
Ani hinted that the Association would partner with hospitals and health institutions in the state to ensure that health education gets to the people in the rural communities, stressing that the association would be vibrant and active in carrying out its responsibilities.
