Kaduna, Nigeria – The Anglican Church has announced plans to roll out a statewide health education campaign across Kaduna State and neighboring communities to promote healthy living, discourage self-medication, and reduce preventable illnesses and deaths.
The initiative was unveiled by the Archbishop of the Province of Kaduna and Bishop of the Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Timothy Yahaya, during the maiden Health Summit organized by the Diocese of Kaduna on Monday.
According to the Archbishop, the campaign is a response to the increasing burden of preventable diseases, low life expectancy, and widespread lack of awareness about basic healthcare practices among many Nigerians.
He said the Church intends to leverage its extensive network of congregations and communities to educate people on disease prevention, healthy lifestyles, and the importance of seeking professional medical care.
“When this gathering is over, we will go into the communities, villages, and among our people to educate them on how to live better and live longer,” Yahaya said.
He emphasized that the Church’s mission extends beyond its immediate jurisdiction, pledging to reach any community where it can contribute to improving public health.
“Our responsibility is not limited to our jurisdiction. Wherever we have the opportunity to help people improve their health and live longer, we will go there and do our best,” he added.
The Archbishop noted that the campaign will focus on strengthening health awareness, promoting preventive healthcare, and encouraging responsible health-seeking behavior, stressing that education remains one of the most effective tools for preventing avoidable illnesses.
He also expressed concern over the growing trend of self-medication and reliance on unverified health information from social media, warning that such practices pose serious health risks.
“Education is power. Information is power. Many people are not properly informed about health. Some are taking prescriptions from social media, while others abuse medications that were prescribed for them. These are dangerous practices that we must address,” Yahaya cautioned.
The health education campaign is expected to engage communities across Kaduna State through awareness programs, public outreach, and health advocacy aimed at improving healthcare knowledge and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
