Prevalence of malaria, hypertension, eye diseases in Abia North worries doctors
By Steve Oko
The rising cases of malaria, hypertension and eye diseases in communities in Abia North senatorial district have become a source of worry to medical experts.
A team of doctors and other health workers on a free medical outreach in the zone noted with concern , the rate at which the above -mentioned diseases were ravaging the populace.


Some of the beneficiaries at Amaba on a queue waiting to be attended to.
The two – day free -medical outreach was undertaken by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in partnership with Senator Mao Ohuabunwa representing the zone.
Speaking with newsmen weekend at Ohiyinta Health Centre, Amiyi Ahaba Imenyi, Isuikwuato, leader of the team, Dr. Prince Anienye said that of over 2000 patients so far examined, malaria, hypertension and eye diseases were discovered to be the leading ailments.
He attributed the prevalence of malaria to environmental factors, and lack of health education on the use of long -lasting insecticide – treated nets.
“Some people use insecticide -treated nets to protect their farm crops instead of using it as a protection against mosquitoes “, he lamented.
On hypertension and eye diseases , Dr. Anienye said poor feeding habit, age and failure to go for regular screening could be some of the causes.
He advised the locals to regularly go for medical examination for early diagnosis and treatment of the ailments which he noted, “is key to recovery.”
Dr. Anienye said the medical team comprised 20 doctors, 20 nurses, pharmacists and other health workers grouped to cover five outreach points in the zone.
He explained that the essence of sharing the team into groups was to ensure wider coverage of communities in the zone.
Meanwhile some of the beneficiaries including Onyebuchi Oluka, Stella Ogbonna and Emeka Uchendu respectively, all expressed their gratitude for Senator Ohuabunwa for the gesture.
Later in an interview, the senator said the gesture was in line with his avered committment to ensure his constituents have easy access to quality healthcare in addition to other developmental projects.
He urged the people to take advantage of the outreach to improve on their health.
Speaking also, former Councilor, Imenyi Ward 1 and Coordinator of Follow Better Organisation, Isuikwuato LGA, Hon. Orunta Obinwanne said the outreach had brought a lot of relief to the locals particularly the indigent who could not afford quality health care.
He thanked the senator for placing high premium on the health of the people and for his other giant strides.
The first phase of the outreach was held at Uturu, Ahaba-Imenyi, Nkporo, Ihechiowa and Arochukwu kingdom.
End
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