Navy offers drugs to HIV, diabetes patients

The Nigerian Navy Command in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has offered free medical assistance to residents of Otuoke, President Goodluck Jonathan’s town.

The recipients are those suffering from hypertension, malaria, typhoid, HIV, visual impairment, diabetes and sexually-transmitted diseases.

Officials from the state’s Ministry of Health, as well as some non-governmental organisations assisted the Navy health personnel during the exercise.

The Chairman, Organising Committee and representative of the Flag Officer Commanding, CNC, Navy Capt. Salihu Jibril, said the health initiative was part of the activities to celebrate the 58th anniversary of the Navy in the country.

Jibril said, “This health rhapsody is organised wherever we are. The idea is to go round and give the community or area we have chosen some health awareness, testing and drugs.

“As you can see, before we started administering tests and treatment, they received lectures on safe sex, STIs, STDs, family planning, hypertension and a whole lot of other ailments. From that point, they will be better educated on lifestyles and how to lead a healthy life.”

The state Coordinator, Family Planning, Dr. Mary Ogholi, who spoke on ‘Reproductive Health: Emphasis on Barrier Method’, on the occasion, counselled on the need to engage in safe sex.

She noted that the use of condoms was invaluable in the prevention of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

According to her, apart from preventing STDs, STIs and viral infections, condoms are useful in checking unwanted pregnancies as well as for family planning.

She also frowned on the idea that condom could go into the womb, saying it was a false claim.

Ogholi said, “Women’s vaginas have an end. The myth that condom can go into the womb is not correct. If you do not want an unwanted pregnancy or contract viral and bacterial infections, your sure bet is to use the condoms. Also, some people say it is not enjoyable to use the condom. I also dispute this assertion.”

A medical practitioner with the Joint Military Task Force in the Niger Delta, Ephraim Sobito, also advised Nigerians against substance abuse.

He noted that the abuse of substances such as gin, drugs, antibiotics, narcotics and others posed health risks could result in death.

SOURCE..PUNCH

http://www.punchng.com/health/navy-offers-drugs-to-hiv-diabetes-patients/