Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Mrs. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, a medical doctor, has said the best method to halt the spread of diseases in the country is to regularly screen women.
According to Banigo, it was important to screen women as part of deliberate efforts to reduce the disease burden of the society, pointing out that she was always excited about anything that would improve the health of women.
“I really want you to do more of screening because screening is very important. For instance we have so many women suffering from diabetes in pregnancy with its complications without realizing they have diabetes,” she said.
The deputy governor who was speaking during a courtesy visit to her by the organisers of Health and Wellness Summit at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said prevention of illness was always cheaper and better than cure.
She said women had to be healthy to bring up healthy, children and to keep their families healthy and fulfill their destinies.
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She noted that the test is simple and does not cost much.
”Prevention of Mother To Child Transmission of HIV Services (PMTCT) are available in all health facilities which, according to her is a simple and cost effective technology to save babies from being infected with the virus,” she said.
Banigo added: “I am excited to see young people coming together with creative ideas and thinking outside the box to promote healthy living. Thank you very much for using your leverage as professionals to benefit the society.”
Also speaking, Dr. Chijioke Mbelu, managing director of New You Wellness Centre and the convener of the summit said the event was borne out of the growing medical needs of Nigerians and the desire to introduce improved healthcare and medical business in Nigeria.
