The Enugu State Government has urged residents to 'take personal interest in their health' in order to promote preventive healthcare rather than curative healthcare, which is expensive and risky.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, made the call in Enugu on Friday at a press briefing marking the first state-level commemoration and institutionalisation of National Health Promotion Day in Enugu State.
The commemoration, which aligns with national observance of the 3rd National Health Promotion Day 2026, is themed: "Health Promotion: Owning My Health," with the slogan "Take Charge, Live Well".
The commissioner said that optimal and effective healthcare extends beyond treating illnesses to preventing diseases, promoting health literacy and creating environments that support healthy living.
Ugwu urged residents to adopt practical preventive measures, including healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, personal hygiene, appropriate health screening, timely medical consultation and responsible environmental practices.
"As Enugu State pursues its environmental sanitation and cleanliness objectives, residents are encouraged to dispose waste properly, maintain clean surroundings, protect water sources and participate in community sanitation activities.
"The commemoration will further encourage collaboration among government agencies, health promotion professionals, NGOs, development partners, schools, religious institutions, traditional leaders and community organisations to expand health awareness across the state.
"Particular emphasis is being placed on taking health messages to churches, mosques, schools, markets, neighborhoods and public spaces through health education, community sensitisation and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) communication," he said.
Ugwu said that Gov. Peter Mbah had show great interest in health through building and adequately funding of a four-tier functional healthcare system in the state.
He noted that the governor ensured brand new 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres in all political wards, maintaining 54 cottage and general hospitals, two tertiary teaching hospitals and a 300-bedded state-of-the-art Enugu International Hospital.
"We are only appealing for residents to take interest in their health by accessing and taking advantage of these health facilities.
"Today, we have free vaccination for children; free treatment of malaria in government-owned hospitals and selected private health facilities as well as some other free health services for regnant women and new borns.
"A minimal amount for health insurance scheme of N1000 per month (meaning N12,000 per year) to access quality healthcare or even preventive healthcare check up in these health facilities scattered throughout the state," he said.
He commended health partners for ensuring health promotion and literacy among residents of the state especially Mrs Nma Ogbonna, the Chairman of Health Promotion Advocacy for Disease Prevention and Community Partners Initiatives (HEPA4DICOPI) and others.
Speaking, Ogbonna, the Chairman of HEPA4DICOPI and also working with the Human Rights Advocacy for Healthcare and Reintegration of Indigent Prisoners (HRA4HRIP), an NGO, lauded the state government for prioritising healthcare even at rural communities level.
She noted that the theme was a reinforcement of the need to empower and educate individuals, families and communities to take greater and personal responsibility for their health and well-being.
Other groups represented at the briefing included members of the Ministry of Health Public Health Promotion Unit, led by its Director, Mrs Stella Agu; and Dr Oguamaka Aginam, the Regional Manager, MSI Reproductive Nigeria Choices, among others.
Health Promotion Day is celebrated annually on Oct. 29 and it was initiated by the Nigeria's Ministry of Health and its partners.