The Registrar of the Nigeria Environmental Health Council, Dr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba has called on Nigerians to place greater emphasis on environmental sanitation, personal hygiene, and other preventive measures to reduce the spread of transmissible diseases in the country.
A statement from the Council on Friday, signed by Hauwa Bala, Head of Information and Public Relations Division, said Dr. Baba made the call during an interview on the BBC Hausa radio magazine programme, Ra’ayi Riga, where he discussed issues relating to the health and wellbeing of children and families.
He stressed the importance of preventing diseases before they occur, noting that poor sanitary conditions, unsafe water, and unhygienic environments can expose communities, particularly children, to preventable illnesses.
The Registrar particularly urged parents and caregivers to take the health of their children seriously by ensuring appropriate vaccination and seeking timely medical attention whenever children exhibit symptoms of illness.
He emphasised that closing vaccination gaps and ensuring access to basic preventive healthcare are critical to protecting children and reducing the burden of transmissible diseases.
He further called for collective responsibility in maintaining clean and healthy environments.
According to him, communities should ensure proper disposal of refuse, prevent contamination of water sources, maintain clean surroundings and drainage systems, and observe regular hand washing and other basic hygiene practices.
He also cautioned against conditions such as overcrowding and environmental practices that could facilitate the transmission of diseases.
Dr. Baba reaffirmed the need for sustained public-health education and cooperation between government, healthcare professionals, families, and communities in disease prevention.
He urged Nigerians to make environmental cleanliness and personal hygiene an integral part of their daily lives, stressing that effective prevention begins with healthy practices, clean surroundings, timely vaccination, and responsible health-seeking behaviour.
