How Anambra healthy living initiative is boosting community wellness

BY LUCY OSUIZIGBO-OKECHUKWU

At dawn every Saturday, Mr Kyrian Ezeh, 51, laces his walking shoes with quiet determination, joining hundreds of residents in a growing culture of wellness sweeping across Anambra State.

Once heavily reliant on medication to manage his blood pressure, Ezeh now finds relief, routine, and renewed hope through the Healthy Living Initiative, championed by the wife of the state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo.

“I used to rely on drugs almost completely, but regular walking and the health talks have changed my life,” Ezeh said.

What began as a wellness advocacy effort has evolved into a lifeline for residents of all ages, promoting preventive care, nutrition, fitness, and disease control.

Mr Soludo explained that the programme is rooted in the belief that health begins with awareness.

“Being aware of one’s body is the first step to good health and a fulfilling life. Healthy living must become our culture, from what we eat to how we move,” she said.

The initiative focuses on reducing disease prevalence and strengthening preventive healthcare, while supporting vulnerable populations through partnerships with organisations including World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Malaria Consortium, Smile Train, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Anambra Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, said the programme has boosted malaria prevention across the state.

“Household use of insecticide-treated nets has risen from 27 per cent to 57 per cent, achieved by distributing over 3.8 million treated nets to 1.3 million households,” he said.

He said that Mrs Soludo’s role as Net Ambassador has helped integrate malaria prevention into daily family life.

“The initiative has also provided lifesaving cervical cancer screening and treatment services in rural areas.

“In partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative and WHO, 7,277 women were screened within 11 months, and 151 who tested positive received free treatment,” Obidike said.

Community fitness walks led by Mrs Soludo showcase the initiative’s impact. Government officials, traders, students, retirees, and health workers walk side by side, promoting fitness and social cohesion.

“When you see people like you moving together, it encourages discipline. It has become part of my weekly routine,” said Mrs Mmesoma Ikpeazu, a trader at Eke Awka Market.

Chief John Nwoye, a retiree, described the walks as a way to stay active and socialise. “It keeps loneliness away,” he said.

Mrs Blessing Okonkwo, a mother of three, said health education sessions during the walks changed her family’s eating habits. “Our meals are healthier,” she said.

Medical professionals offer free health checks during the walks.

“Knowing our health status and early detection has helped many people,” said commercial driver Mr Chukwudi Iloh.

Mrs Chiamaka Ezinwa, a health worker, described the initiative as a social equaliser. “Students, traders, professionals, and elders walk together, united by the goal of good health,” she said.

Medical experts highlight the broader impact on lifestyle-related diseases.

Prof. Brian Adinma, a gynaecologist at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, said: “Walking, stretching, and healthy eating reduce the risks of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.”

Dr Uju Okoye, a reproductive health specialist, emphasised home gardening initiatives.

“Families are learning food security and healthy eating from their own backyards,” she said.

In schools, Healthy Living Clubs have been established in 800 schools across the state, promoting nutrition education and physical activity.

Mr Damian Echefu, a teacher in Onitsha, said: “Students are more active and health conscious. They even remind us to practise what we teach.”

The initiative has also delivered multivitamins to more than 26,000 elderly residents, improving nutrition and quality of life.