Implement public health laws, Enugu judge urges federal, state govts.

Implement public health laws, Enugu judge urges federal, state govts.

Health

By Ifeoma Aka

Enugu, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Justice Chinyere Ani of the Enugu State High Court has appealed to the federal and state governments to implement public health laws to protect the well-being of Nigerians.

She made the appeal on Tuesday in Enugu during the inauguration of the National Association of Health Educators and Practitioners (NAHE&P), Enugu State chapter.

Ani, the guest lecturer at the event, said “Nigeria does not need to enact new laws but should rather, implement the already enacted ones,” adding that the country has enough laws on public health.

She regretted that the right to health as enshrined in Section 260 of the 1999 Constitution is not justiciable, noting that Nigerians can only qualify with public health when the section is justiciable.

The judge cautioned against doing something that would endanger peoples’ 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 disease, and challenged the association to educate the people effectively.

Earlier, the National President of NAHE&P, Prof. Raheem Adarama, revealed that the major thrust of the association is to empower individuals, communities and nations to take control of their health and well-being.

Adarama, who was represented by the Anambra President of the association, Chrysantus Onwurah, declared that health education is 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 catalysts 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, said that the group would embark on massive public health education to encourage  people to prevent themselves from contacting diseases.

Ani hinted that the association would partner hospitals and health institutions in the state to ensure that health education gets to the people in the rural communities.

She said that the association would be vibrant and active in carrying out its responsibilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IFO/OJI/HA

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu