COMMON DISEASES IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
INTRODUCTION
Opening Scripture:
3 John1: 2; Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health even as
thy soul prospereth.
AIM:
Today, I want to briefly talk about some common diseases affecting our communities, why they
occur and how we can prevent them so we can live healthier lives and better serve God and
one another.
What are diseases?
Diseases are conditions that affect the normal functioning of the body. They can make one sick,
weak or uncomfortable and can affect one part of the body or the whole body.
There are two main types of diseases;
1. Communicable diseases: infectious diseases that can be spread from person to person
through food, water, air or insect bites. Examples are Malaria, Typhoid, Cholera, and
COVID-19.
2. Non-Communicable diseases (NCDs): these are not spread from person to person. They
usually develop due to lifestyle habits or genetics. Examples are Diabetes, Hypertension
and Cancer.
5 Key Diseases in a Regular Nigeria Community
MALARIA (IBA)
Causes: infected mosquito bites (Plasmodium parasite). It wreaks havoc on high risk population
such as children under age 5 and pregnant women.
Symptoms: Fever, chills, vomiting and weakness.
Prevention:
1. Sleep under long-lasting treated mosquito nets
2. Use mosquito repellants especially at night
3. Drain stagnant water around your home (gutters, containers, old tires)
4. Keep windows and doors screened or closed at dusk
5. Wear long sleeved clothes in the evening to prevent insect bites.
TYPHOID FEVER (ARUN INU ATI IBA)
Cause: Eating or drinking contaminated food/water
Symptoms: Headache, high fever and stomach pain
Prevention:
1. Boil or treat water before drinking
2. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
3. Avoid street food or food exposed to flies/dirt
4. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before eating
5. Use clean, covered containers for water storage
CHOLERA (EEBU)
Causes: contaminated water or food (salmonella) and poor sanitation.
Symptoms: watery diarrhea and dehydration, death if not treated
Prevention:
1. Drink safe and clean water (boiled or treated)
2. Practice proper hand washing with soap and water
3. Wash cooking utensils and eating surfaces with clean water
4. Ensure good toilet hygiene
5. Avoid raw or uncooked seafood
NOTE: Many neglected tropical diseases are caused by unsafe water, poor housing conditions
and poor sanitation in the region.
HYPERTENSION (HBP, IFARAPA EJE TO GAA)
Causes: Poor lifestyle habits, stress and genetics. Some poor lifestyle habits are;
1. Eating too much salt, consumption of canned foods, instant noodles and salty snacks
2. Lack of physical activities
3. Unhealthy diet; fatty, fried, sugary or processed foods
4. Low intake of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
5. Being overweight or obese
6. Excessive alcohol intake
7. Smoking
8. Not getting enough sleep
Symptoms: frequent urinations, thirst and fatigue
Prevention:
1. Reduce salt intake
2. Eat more fruits, vegetable and low fat meals
3. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
4. Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes, 5 times a week (walking, dancing, doing chores
etc.)
5. Check your blood pressure regularly and manage stress
DIABETES (ARUN SUGA)
Causes: Poor diet, obesity, sedentary lifestyle (engaging in no physical activities), family history
Symptom: Headaches, vision problems, dizziness, excessive thirst and hunger, frequent
urination, unexplained weight loss, slow wound healing
Prevention:
1. Limit sugar and processed food intake
2. Eat whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean protein like fish, chicken or turkey breast,
egg white
3. Exercise regularly
4. Maintain a healthy w eight
5. Go for routine blood sugar screening, especially if there’s a family history
CONCLUSION/CALL TO ACTION:
Remember that our body is the temple of God 1 Corinthians 6: 19-20, taking good care of our
health is part of being good stewards to the body God gave us so honor God with your body.
START SMALL: Drink clean water, maintain a healthy diet, avoid self-medication, go for check-
ups; EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES!
THANK YOU.
