From Rhoda Godwin, Yenagoa
Health stakeholders in Bayelsa State have urged residents to prioritise preventive healthcare through regular medical check-ups, healthy lifestyles and early detection of diseases.
The call was made on Thursday, October 29, during activities marking the 2026 National Health Promotion Day, organised by the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health under the theme, ‘Health promotion: Owning my health,’ and the slogan, ‘Take charge, live well.’
The celebration featured an awareness road walk involving representatives of UNICEF, advocacy organisations, traditional birth attendants, health professionals, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and civil society organisations.
Participants marched from Ekeki Park to the Bayelsa State Ministry of Health at the State Secretariat, using the exercise to sensitise residents to the importance of healthy living and taking personal responsibility for their well-being.
Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr William Appah, urged residents to take their health seriously and avoid waiting until illnesses became severe before seeking medical attention.
He encouraged members of the public to know their health status, undergo regular medical examinations and seek professional advice whenever necessary.
Other participants emphasised the need for sustained community sensitisation, particularly on routine immunisation, urging parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive recommended vaccines at health facilities.
They explained that educating communities about the benefits of vaccination was essential to protecting children against vaccine-preventable diseases and improving immunisation uptake across the state.
The stakeholders also stressed that health was a collective responsibility, noting that the illness of one individual could affect family members and the wider community.
They encouraged residents to adopt healthy habits, including eating balanced meals, drinking sufficient water, exercising regularly and getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night. They also highlighted the importance of stress management, personal hygiene and maintaining clean surroundings.
The speakers further urged residents to take advantage of medical outreach programmes to check their vital signs and monitor important health indicators, including blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
According to them, regular screening can help identify potential health problems early, allowing individuals to seek appropriate treatment before complications arise.
The awareness walk highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, development partners, health professionals and community-based organisations in promoting healthier communities.
The organisers reiterated that preventing illness requires more than access to medical treatment, stressing that public awareness, early screening and healthy daily habits are essential to improving overall well-being.
The celebration ended with a renewed call for Bayelsa residents to take ownership of their health and make preventive healthcare an essential part of their daily lives.